Blackpool bring ex-Everton FC striker James Beattie in on loan deal
Liverpool Echo
Feb 1 2011
BLACKPOOL have completed the loan signing of former Everton striker James Beattie. Rangers confirmed that the 32-year-old would join the Seasiders until the end of the season. Beattie has endured a frustrating time at Ibrox since moving from Stoke in August, making just 10 appearances. Beattie was hampered by a hip injury early in his Ibrox career before struggling to force his way into the team. And his chances of doing so were further diminished by the loan signing of Northern Ireland striker David Healy on Sunday. Blackpool earlier signed midfielder Andy Reid from Barclays Premier League rivals Sunderland for an undisclosed fee. The 28-year-old Republic of Ireland international has made 70 appearances for the Black Cats since his £4million switch from Charlton in January 2008. However, he became surplus to requirements under Steve Bruce and followed Paulo da Silva and Healy out of the Stadium of Light. “I think he will be perfect for us and it won’t take me long to get him going,” manager Ian Holloway said. He’s gone for £12million (in cumulative transfer fees) in the past so that’s not a bad take for us I believe.”

Everton FC exits for Kieran Agard and Joao Silva as Apostolos Vellios checks in
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
EVERTON striking starlets Joao Silva and Kieran Agard have both been allowed to leave the club on loan – as Greek teenager Apostolos Vellios arrived in a £250,000 deal. Silva, 20, has joined Portuguese first division side Uniao Desportiva de Leiria until the end of the season, whilst 21-year-old Agard has moved north of the border to Kilmarnock for the rest of this campaign after returning from a shortlived loan switch to Peterborough. Striker Vellios was the only arrival during January's transfer window, signing from Greek side Iraklis Thessaloniki for a nominal fee. Vellios is a Greek Under-19 international who has signed a deal until 2014 and will join Alan Stubbs' Reserve squad, after the Blues fought off interest from Bologna, Fulham and Olympiakos to secure his signature.
The 19-year-old is a 6ft 3in target man who has worked his way through the ranks at Iraklis and boasts seven goals from 14 appearances for the Greek Under-19s. Everton signed Joao Silva from Portuguese side Desportivo Das Aves in June 2010. He joined on an three-year deal for an undisclosed fee, after scoring 14 goals in 32 appearances for Aves in 2009/10 - his first full season in professional football - finishing with the second best tally in the Portugese second tier.
The 6'2" left-footed frontman had caught the attention of teams in Portugal's top division before he switched to Everton. His performances in his debut season also saw him force his way onto the international scene, turning out for the Portugal Under-20 side. He followed Jermaine Beckford through the doors at Goodison as David Moyes' second recruit of the summer and figured during the tour of Australia, and although he has impressed in reserve action, he has been allowed to move to gather more first team football. Agard, who was signed from Arsenal’s academy in the 2005/06 season, was voted the club’s reserve player of the year in 2008, and made his first team debut against Chelsea in 2009.

Everton FC's David Moyes slams 'insulting' Spurs bid for Phil Neville
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
Feb 1 2011
DAVID MOYES has labelled Spurs boss Harry Redknapp “insulting and disrespectful” after he started his pursuit of skipper Phil Neville with a measly £250,000 bid. The Everton manager was staggered when the Tottenham boss phoned him with the verbal offer on Saturday, and further shocked when he returned with a second bid of £500,000. Moyes promptly turned down both approaches for his captain, leaving Redknapp in no doubt over his stance – but was still forced to reject a final offer in the region of £1.5m from the Londoners yesterday. That exchange was the only remarkable activity at Goodison in the last days of the transfer window, as the deadline passed with no further additions to the Blues first team squad. Greek striker Apostolos Vellios, 19, who was signed for £250,000 from Iraklis Thessaloniki, will join the reserve set-up. It means that a frustrated Moyes, who had targeted three loan stars during January, has instead lost three; after selling Steven Pienaar, and allowing Yakubu and James Vaughan to leave on loan. Describing Spurs’ pursuit of Neville, he said: “We have had an offer from Tottenham of £250,000 which we received on Saturday afternoon. Then it was upped to £500,000 on Monday morning. “I think that is insulting. It was £250,000 on Saturday afternoon when I was leaving the ground and they upped it to £500,000 on Monday morning. That was £250,000 now and £250,000 paid in a year's time. “There is no reaction to that. I think an offer like that for Everton's captain is a disrespectful offer to the club and I think it is a disrespectful offer for a player of Phil's qualities. “I could understand it if he had six months to go on his contract, but he has 18-months to go and he has played more or less every game for Everton. I think it is as surprising an offer as I have known in my career. “I spoke to Harry on Saturday afternoon. He made the bid. We had a bit of banter about horses and things. There has been a lot of people saying things, but Saturday at 4pm was the first time we had an offer.”

Harry Redknapp’s insulting offer for Everton FC captain Phil Neville blasted by David Moyes
Liverpool Daily Post
Feb 1 2011
DISBELIEVING David Moyes has slammed an “insulting” offer from Tottenham Hotspur manager Harry Redknapp for Everton skipper Phil Neville. Redknapp, who was tracking Neville throughout last month’s transfer window, made official his interest by tabling a bid of £250,000 for the 34-year-old over the weekend. It was instantly dismissed by Everton, who were then further flabbergasted when Tottenham returned two days later with a second offer that only doubled their original approach. The Londoners, who in between offered £25million to Newcastle United for Andy Carroll, eventually returned before the transfer deadline last night with a £1.5m offer – also rejected.
And Moyes admits he cannot remember a more surprising bid during his career. “We have had an offer from Tottenham of £250,000 which we received on Saturday afternoon,” said the Goodison manager. “Then it was upped to £500,000 on Monday morning. “I think that is insulting. It was £250,000 on Saturday afternoon when I was leaving the ground and they upped it to £500,000 on Monday morning. That was £250,000 now and £250,000 paid in a year’s time. “There is no reaction to that. I think an offer like that for Everton’s captain is a disrespectful offer to the club and I think it is a disrespectful offer for a player of Phil’s qualities.” Moyes added: “I could understand it if he had six months to go on his contract, but he has 18 months to go and he has played more or less every game for Everton “I think it is as surprising an offer as I have known in my career. I spoke to Harry on Saturday afternoon. He made the bid. We had a bit of banter about horses and things. “There have been a lot of people saying things, but Saturday at 4pm was the first time we had an offer.”
A quiet deadline day for Everton saw Joao Silva and Kieran Agard depart on loan for the remainder of the season to Portuguese side Uniao Desportiva de Leiria and Scottish Premier League outfit Kilmarnock respectively. Everton travel to Arsenal in the Premier League this evening looking to extend a run of just one defeat in their last 10 outings. However, the Goodison outfit have drawn six of those games, the latest of which came on Saturday in the 1-1 home FA Cup draw against Chelsea.
Tim Cahill, who has missed the last four weeks due to Asian Cup duty with Australia, returned to Merseyside yesterday after suffering defeat in the final against Japan at the weekend.
Cahill won’t be considered this evening, and Tony Hibbert is a doubt through illness, but Victor Anichebe should come back into contention after missing out at the weekend with a groin injury.

Everton FC’s Jack Rodwell looking to finish a tough season strongly
by Ian Doyle, Liverpool Daily Post
Feb 1 2011
HOPE, frustration then rejuvenation. Full of promise last summer, only for that expectation to be dampened throughout a disappointing first half of the season before the encouragement of a better New Year. The journey of Everton’s rollercoaster campaign also perfectly replicates the experience of Jack Rodwell during the past seven months. Having seen his career travel a steady upward curve since his landmark debut in Alkmaar in December 2007, Rodwell has been forced to overcome some significant obstacles this season. Chief among those was the ankle injury suffered at Aston Villa that ruled the 19-year-old out for almost three months. On his return, Rodwell struggled to regain fitness and form and found himself usurped from central midfield. But the signs on Saturday are that the teenager is once again beginning to find his feet, Rodwell revelling alongside Marouane Fellaini in helping dominate Double winners Chelsea and come close to a prize FA Cup scalp. It was the England under-21 international’s first start in more than a month, and he says: “I have spent a lot of time on the bench this season. I came back from injury very early and it’s frustrating that I haven’t managed to nail down a first-team place but that has to be something that I am aiming for. “It’s been a difficult season. In pre-season I thought I did really well and that it could be a big year for me, so it was unfortunate the timing of the injury that I got. “I can’t really look back and make excuses because of that, but I’ve been in and out of the team since and it’s been hard to get a run of form when you’re not match fit. Hopefully now that can change.” Rodwell will be hopeful of retaining his starting berth when Everton travel to Arsenal aiming to atone for a 2-1 home loss to the Gunners in November. That is the Goodison outfit’s only reverse in 10 meetings against the Premier League’s current top seven this season says much about their ability to raise their game against the leading sides. But Rodwell says: “It is frustrating the way we seem to be able to raise our game against the big teams but not the other teams. But you can see that the way Chelsea played helped us.
“They are great side and they want to attack and that made the game more open. With no disrespect, the lesser sides are more likely to sit back and shut up shop, which is more frustrating and sometimes those games haven’t gone well for us.” Of Saturday’s game, when Louis Saha’s opener was cancelled out by Chelsea substitute Salomon Kalou, Rodwell adds: “It was a case of nearly not quite on Saturday. We can take positives. I thought we played really well and dominated throughout, and we were unfortunate to concede on the counter attack. But we have to take positives in to the next game. “We raised our game really well. Everyone gave that extra 100%. Everyone was tired afterwards. “It’ll be the same again on Tuesday as it’s another big team and another big game.” Everton were within seconds of securing a famous win at the Emirates 12 months ago only to concede an injury-time equaliser through Tomas Rosicky. But, as with Chelsea at the weekend, Rodwell believes Arsenal’s attacking approach can benefit Everton. “It can play into our hands a little bit,” says the midfielder. “Arsenal play open and attacking football and that can make it open for us. We will have our gameplan and we will stick to that. “Against City we went down to 10 men and still won, we did well at Tottenham and Liverpool and hopefully we can do the same against Arsenal. “Our away record has been really good this season and that’s something we want to keep going. “It’s also encouraging for the replay. We played Chelsea at Stamford Bridge six or seven weeks ago and did really well. We feel we were unfortunate not to win and we’ll be aiming for that in the Cup.” With Steven Pienaar having joined Yakubu and James Vaughan through the Goodison exit this month, an opening has appeared in the Everton midfield. But Rodwell says: “Steven was playing really well for us, so it was unfortunate to see him go. And to be honest, Yak was biting to get a game so it’s good for him to go and get some football. “It’s obvious the more players that leave then the more chance you have of playing. But me and Yak or me and Steven are not exactly like for like, so either way if I don’t play I have to just keep on giving my best no matter what. “We have Bilyaletdinov to come in and I feel the squad we have got here is still really good set of lads. The banter is good and everyone is still happy within the squad. “I don’t feel as though we need new players to lift the squad, but it can only be of benefit to us. But the squad here is good enough, the morale is still great and if nothing happens in the transfer window, then we will stick together and keep fighting.”
Arsenal 2 Everton FC 1: Blues fail to hold on to lead at the Emirates
Feb 1 2011
Arsenal came from behind to beat Everton 2-1 at Emirates Stadium and keep within striking distance of Barclays Premier League leaders Manchester United. Louis Saha had put the visitors ahead on 24 minutes when he slotted home, despite being offside. However, the Gunners turned the game around through substitute Andrey Arshavin and Laurent Koscielny’s header. The Gunners made some 10 changes from the side which had laboured to a 2-1 win over Huddersfield in the FA Cup here on Sunday. And it was Everton - who have lost only six games, but find themselves in the lower half of the table because of some 12 draws - who started brightly. With Diniyar Bilyaletdinov offering support to both Saha in attack and then making up the numbers in midfield, it was easy to see why David Moyes’ men are hard to beat. Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere was in the referee’s book after just five minutes when he clattered through the back of Mikel Arteta, which would set a trend for the evening. Everton continued to make all the running during the opening exchanges.
Arsenal finally got some passing together as Bacary Sagna was played in down the right, only to be chopped down by Sylvain Distin who was immediately shown a yellow card by Lee Mason.
Koscielny glanced a header through the six-yard box from a corner, before Cesc Fabregas then dragged a shot wide after a clever backheel from Robin van Persie. The Gunners were now on top, but just lacked a decisive pass when in the final third. Theo Walcott broke into the right side of the penalty area, but Tim Howard stood up well at the near post. Everton, though, were ahead on 24 minutes in controversial fashion. Saha was offside when Seamus Coleman chipped the ball through, but it spun off Koscielny’s boot as he attempted to clear, falling to the Frenchman who slotted a low effort past Wojciech Szczesny. Despite the protests of the Arsenal players, and consultation with his assistant Stephen Child on the far side, referee Mason allowed the goal to stand. Arsenal felt more than a sense of injustice and centre-half Koscielny almost made amends when inches away from converting a corner with a diving header at the far post. The frustration for the home fans continued after Fabregas burst into the Everton box only to drag his shot wide. Van Persie then did brilliantly to collect a high, angled pass on his chest, but it would not drop and he could only loop the ball over. Arsenal made a change at the restart, with Abou Diaby replacing Alex Song, who appeared to pick up an injury towards the end of the first half. Rosicky spun away from his marker and charged forwards, but then dragged a 20-yard strike wide. The home side continued to press, Diaby powering a header over the bar. Arteta then went into the book after tripping Fabregas as the Arsenal captain set off on a quick break. There was then a confrontation when van Persie went in on the Spaniard, and was also shown a yellow card by busy referee. With 28 minutes left, Tomas Rosicky was replaced by Arshavin and Everton then sent Leon Osman on for Bilyaletdinov. Diaby cut inside from the left and set himself, but then drilled his 20-yard shot wide. Arsenal were finally level when Arshavin slotted home after Rodwell’s backheader from Fabregas’ chip fell to him in the six-yard box. Osman tripped Walcott in full flow, and became the seventh man in Mason’s notebook.
Van Persie sent the resulting free-kick towards the top right angle, which Howard did brilliantly to tip over. Arsenal, though, were not to be denied and turned the game around when Koscielny headed home from the resulting corner on 75 minutes. Rodwell glanced a header wide at the far post, but it was Arsenal who closed out the match and collected what could be three crucial points in the title race.

ARSENAL 2 EVERTON 1: ARSHAVIN THE BENCHMARK FOR GUNNERS
Andrey Arshavin scored the opener for Chelsea
February 2,2011
By Matt Law Daily Express
ARSENAL 2 -- EVERTON 1
TWO goals in five minutes from Andrey Arshavin and Laurent Koscielny kept Arsenal’s Premier League title bid alive and rescued referee Lee Mason from being the star of a blame game.
Gunners manager Arsene Wenger and his players were furious that Mason and his assistant Stephen Child allowed Louis Saha’s offside opener for Everton that had threatened to clinch all three points.
But substitute Arshavin and defender Koscielny, who had been at the centre of the row over Saha’s strike, ensured that Mason’s controversial decision would not prove pivotal in Arsenal’s season. While transfer records were broken up and down the country, Wenger and Everton boss David Moyes simply watched the action unfold elsewhere. Moyes was hamstrung by a lack of money and could not even spend the £3 million that Everton received for Steven Pienaar, while Wenger maintained his frugal policy. As if to prove his philosophy against the big spenders, the team Wenger fielded against Everton last night cost a combined total of just £40m – that was £10m less than Chelsea paid for Fernando Torres 24 hours earlier. Samir Nasri, who is out for at least three weeks with the hamstring injury, was replaced by Tomas Rosicky. Johan Djourou took over from the banned Sebastien Squillaci and was one of four Arsenal starters who barely cost the club a penny.
Another one of the Gunners’ freebies, Jack Wilshere, was in the wars during the opening exchanges. He was booked for a late challenge on Mikel Arteta, then went down clutching his face after being dispossessed by Marouane Fellaini. Cesc Fabregas was the first to go close to breaking the deadlock when he took a Robin van Persie back-heel in his stride, but drove the ball wide of Tim Howard’s right-hand post. Howard then did brilliantly to spread himself and save a Theo Walcott shot with his foot. Having survived those scares Everton took the lead in highly controversial circumstances with their first effort on the Arsenal goal after 24 minutes. Seamus Coleman played a pass over the top and Saha looked yards offside when he collected the ball unmarked and turned to fire it past Wojciech Szczesny. Wenger stood with his arms outstretched and Fabregas argued with assistant-referee Stephen Child, who can only have thought the ball had deflected off Koscielny. Fabregas continued to argue with Child when the goal was shown again on the Emirates’ big screen and Wenger remonstrated with fourth official Kevin Wright, presumably pointing out Saha was already offside before Koscielny had intervened. But after consulting Child, referee Mason confirmed the goal stood to the anger of the Arsenal fans and the ironic applause of Fabregas. Koscielny almost applied a vital touch at the other end following a Van Persie corner. Walcott was the next Arsenal player to scream at Mason when he waved play on after the England man looked to have been brought down by Arteta. Then a yellow card for Rosicky prompted chants of ‘you don’t know what you’re doing’. Mason was straight back into the spotlight at the start of the second period, booking Jack Rodwell for a late challenge on Walcott. And the Emirates crowd called for action when Van Persie was tugged down on the edge of the penalty area by John Heitinga. Arteta kicked over Fabregas and was rightly booked. Van Persie seemed to exact revenge for his team-mate by first lunging at the Spaniard and then dragging him off the floor, for which he earned a yellow. The frustration around the Emirates was threatening to distract the Arsenal players from their task. Wenger threw on Arshavin and Nicklas Bendtner as the Gunners became increasingly desperate.
And it was Arshavin who equalised eight minutes after stepping off the bench. Fabregas was the creator, playing the ball over the top and Rodwell could only head it into the path of the Russian, who finished coolly. Five minutes later Howard touched a Van Persie free-kick around his post, but from the resulting corner Koscielny rose to head the ball into the net. Mason may just have been tempted to join in the celebrations as he had been spared the recriminations.
ARSENAL (4-2-3-1): Szczesny; Sagna, Djourou, Koscielny, Clichy; Song (Diaby 46), Wilshere (Bendtner 68); Walcott, Fabregas, Rosicky (Arshavin 62); Van Persie. Booked: Wilshere, Rosicky, Van Persie. Goals: Arshavin 70, Koscielny 75.
EVERTON (4-4-1-1): Howard; Neville (Jagielka 78), Heitinga, Distin, Baines; Coleman (Anichebe 78), Fellaini, Arteta, Bilyaletdinov (Osman 65); Rodwell; Saha. Booked: Distin, Rodwell, Arteta, Osman, Howard. Goal: Saha 24.
Referee: L Mason (Lancashire).

ARSENAL 2 EVERTON 1: KOS SPARES WENGER AN OFF NIGHT!
1 2nd February 2011 By David Woods
Daily Star
ARSENAL 2 -- EVERTON 1
the bemusing offside rule will be in the spotlight again after a controversial Everton goal enraged title hopefuls Arsenal last night. Louis Saha’s 24th-minute strike illustrated once again just how tough it has become for officials to rule when a player is or is not offside. When Seamus Coleman chipped a hopeful ball over the Arsenal backline, Saha was ‘offside’ by at least a couple of
feet. But, under the current laws, he was supposedly not ‘active’ and when Laurent Koscielny tried to clear acrobatically he only succeeded in slicing the ball into the Frenchman’s path, playing him ‘onside’. Saha turned instantly and drilled a left foot shot past Wojciech Szczesny from just outside the box. Arsenal players were seething and boss Arsene Wenger stood with both hands in the air for almost a minute. But after consulting with linesman Stephen Child, ref Lee Mason allowed the goal to stand, ruling Koscielny had played the ball deliberately – meaning Saha was not offside in the second phase. He would have been if Koscielny had not played the ball. Confused? Join the club! At least the goal didn’t influence the title race. Sub Andrey Arshavin fired the Gunners level and then Koscielny headed a 75th-minute winner. But for a long time Saha’s goal looked like it might have been decisive. It was a revitalised Saha’s fourth goal in his last five appearances and the first conceded in the league this year by the Gunners. Referee Mason made himself even more unpopular when he allowed what looked like a trip on Theo Walcott by Mikel Arteta to go unpunished. The home support were furious enough at that, so it was lucky for him Bilyaletdinov did not score with a sidefooted effort when the ball broke to Leighton Baines and he crossed for the Russian. Instead, Szczesny did well again to block. Mason earned even more boos for booking Rosicky for bringing down Marouane Fellaini. It was that sort of niggly game with Jack Wilshere first to be booked in the fifth minute for a rash challenge on Arteta. Mason could be seen to utter “stupid” to the young England star and it was hard to disagree with the sentiment. Sylvain Distin was booked for a trip on Bacary Sagna and the second-half was only a few seconds old when Jack Rodwell was cautioned for going in with studs showing on Walcott.With the north London faithful still irritated by Mason it was easy to overlook how well Everton, with just one defeat before last night since the start of December, were playing. The match also showed how much Arsenal missed their player of the season – Samir Nasri, who has a hamstring injury. Mason, though, was not the villain throughout, with Wenger having previously accused the ref two years ago of awarding Aston Villa a penalty after being pressurised by the home side’s coaching staff at the break. At the Emirates he made some bizarre decisions as the pressure grew on him with Arsenal trying desperately to avoid a fourth home defeat. They finally equalised in the 70th minute when Cesc Fabregas’ lofted pass was nodded backwards by Rodwell straight into the path of substitute Arshavin. The Russian took possession and slotted home an angled drive for his first goal in 10 appearances. And just five minutes later Koscielny snatched victory. The defender rose unmarked at a corner to power a decisive header.

Moyes says Fabregas should have gone for 'rant'
Feb 02 2011 The Guardian
David Moyes said Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas should have been sent off for his "disgusting" comments about the officials during the Gunners 2-1 win over Everton in the Premier League on Tuesday. Everton led 1-0 at half time at the Emirates Stadium thanks to a Louis Saha goal that Toffees manager Moyes readily conceded was offside. Arsenal reacted furiously when the goal was given by referee Lee Mason, following consultation with a linesman, and Moyes said Spain international Fabregas was lucky to play the second half after letting fly at the interval. "I think what happened at half time in the tunnel was the worst," Everton boss Moyes told Sky Sports. "Cesc Fabregas should have been sent off for his comments about the officials coming out of the tunnel. It was disgusting. I won't be repeating it but maybe someone will for you. Fabregas's comments were deserving of a sending-off." "I think it [Saha's goal] was offside, the wrong decision, but it was not Everton who made the decision. I also thought there were some really bad tackles. "But Fabregas' comments to the officials when he was coming down the tunnel warranted a sending off, a hundred percent. "They were disappointing comments from someone who is such a talented footballer. If you had said it on the pitch, you should have been off like that, so what is the difference when you are coming down the tunnel? We heard it, but that should not be the talking point." However, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger defended Fabregas by saying: "I was next to Cesc Fabregas at half time. I don't see why you can be furious with him. I talked to the referee and that was in a polite and calm way, you can ask the referee. "He didn't speak to the referee, Cesc Fabregas, at half time; I spoke to the referee. If you have the film, you can check. I spoke to the referee," Wenger insisted.
Goals after the break from Andrey Arshavin and Laurent Koscielny eventually saw second-placed Arsenal to a victory that left the Gunners five points behind leaders Manchester United.

Arsenal 2 Everton 1: Koscielny rescues precious win for Gunners after controversial Saha strike
By Matt Barlow
2nd February 201 Daily Mail
Arsene Wenger picked a team which cost £10million less than Fernando Torres, purred with satisfaction as they fought back from behind and could not resist posing a few questions about Chelsea. Wenger, who watched the frenzy of spending unfold on transfer deadline day, saluted the spirit of his players as they responded to a disputed Louis Saha goal. Andrey Arshavin and Laurent Koscielny, two much-maligned Arsenal players this season, scored the goals and their manager turned his focus on Chelsea’s £75million spree on Torres and David Luiz. Top Gunner: Laurent Koscielny celebrates his late headed goal that clinched three points for Arsenal ‘It shows you two things,’ said Wenger. ‘First, that Roman Abramovich is back to full investment. For a while he was in no-man’s land, where nobody could guess if he still wanted to invest. 'That has certainly changed. He has decided to put big money in again and that tells you in the summer more will come.
‘Also, that Chelsea are supporting UEFA’s Financial Fair Play. In the morning, they announce a £70m loss and in the afternoon they spend £75m on new players. 'Officially they vote for it, so they can explain better than I what they are doing. They have bought a great player, one who won the World Cup and European Championship.’ Pile up: Arsenal players leap The team Wenger assembled for £40m went behind in a tetchy game to a goal which both managers said should not have been allowed. Saha was a yard offside when Seamus Coleman clipped a pass over Arsenal’s back four. Twisting back towards his own goal, Koscielny sliced the ball towards the Everton striker.
Saha drilled it low past Wojciech Szczesny with his left foot for his fifth goal of the season. Everyone had arms aloft. Those in red complained and those in blue celebrated before seeing a raised flag.
Head boy: Koscielny (second right) nods in past Everton keeper Tim Howard (second left)
Referee Lee Mason ran to the touchline to confer before confirming the goal would stand.
The issue seemed to be if Koscielny’s intervention had triggered a new phase of play, putting Saha onside. The officials decided it had and, although this seemed unfair, that was that. ‘The goal was offside but it wasn’t Everton who made the wrong decision,’ said Everton manager David Moyes. Wenger’s extended protest changed nothing. The Gunners allowed the emotion to interfere with their rhythm. heo Walcott and Gael Clichy, normally among the most mild-mannered of characters, took issue with Mason as the teams disappeared down the tunnel at half-time, and Moyes said Cesc Fabregas, who escaped unpunished for a nasty foul on Mikel Arteta in the opening minutes, should have been sent off for a ‘disgusting’ tirade at the referee. It was not the first time in his career Fabregas had riled the opposition with his attitude. In fact, it was not the first time this week. Huddersfield players were fuming on Sunday, claiming he swore at players who asked for his shirt after the FA Cup tie. Arsenal responded well after the break, considering this was their 10th game of 2011. They missed the unfit Samir Nasri and collected further injuries to Alex Song and Walcott.
But Arsenal clawed their way back and there was some symmetry to the equaliser, though no offside. Fabregas lifted a pass over the defence and Rodwell could only head the ball in the air. It dropped kindly for substitute Arshavin, who rolled it past Tim Howard. Protests: Arsenal skipper Cesc Fabregas complains to the officials after Saha's strike Koscielny was the unlikely hero, heading home from a corner. Wenger said: ‘It was more a victory for a team with a fantastic spirit and never-say-die attitude than our usual game. That’s where recently we’ve been most convincing.’

Arsenal 2-1 Everton: Arshavin and Koscielny put Gunners back in the title race
Feb 2 2011 The Daily Mirror By Martin Lipton
Back from the brink. Back with a bang. And having shown the courage of champions when it really mattered, right back in the title picture. Moyes launches furious attack on Fabregas after Emirates tunnel bust-up Last night, as The Emirates raged in disbelief, Arsenal's season was on the line. Trailing to the sort of controversial Louis Saha goal that can knock the stuffing out of any side, with tempers fraying and the mood mutinous, it looked like the beginning of the end. But in the moment of greatest need, the response of greatest desire, close range strikes from substitute Andrey Arshavin and then Laurent Koscielny snatching adrenaline-fuelled victory from the jaws of dispiriting defeat. The reaction was relief mixed with determination, a re-statement of the drive and desperation that underpins Arsenal's entire campaign. Of course, Manchester United's latest win ensured it meant that Arsene Wenger's side only stayed on the heels of the Old Trafford side, five points adrift while Fergie's men have a game in hand. But having sailed so close to the destructive wind, this felt like a potentially pivotal evening, even with more than a third of the season still to go, the night when Arsenal found, without question, the team spirit that can take them to their ultimate goal. Whether they will manage that depends on other factors, not least beating United at the end of April, and the Old Trafford outfit dropping points elsewhere. Yet last night questions about the future looked as if they would become academic and had Arsenal not pulled off their great escape, Saha's goal have been seen as one of the biggest calls of the entire campaign. No matter how referee Lee Mason and flag-man Stephen Child justify the decision, it was morally bankrupt.
When Seamus Coleman lobbed forward to Saha after 24 Arsenal-dominated minutes, the Frenchman was two yards offside and would have been ruled so had Koscielny not attempted to clear. The defender's planned interception, however, was deemed to instigate a separate phase of play, with Saha drilling past Wojciech Szczesny and the goal confirmed despite a long conversation - seemingly sparked by the video pictures on the giant screen - between the two officials. David Moyes said Cesc Fabregas' subsequent comments - whatever they were - merited dismissal.
Irrespective of that, Arsenal seethed, their frustrations - which had been witnessed as early chances for Fabregas and Theo Walcott went begging - going into overdrive, Mikel Arteta targeted for a series of sly, nasty and malicious late challenges. With Saha a fantastic out-ball and Leighton Baines dominating his flank, Everton could have wreaked more damaged, Szczesny's point-blank save from Diniyar Bilyaletdinov key. Even so, as Arsenal's half-chances came and went, it looked as if it was not to be, the dreams of the season seemingly on the point of evaporation. Enter Arshavin, replacing Tomas Rosicky, seeking to add the spark the absence of man of the campaign Samir Nasri had ripped out of Wenger's side. With 20 minutes left, the little Russian made his giant impact.
Fabregas clipped forward and Jack Rodwell's effort to cut out served the ball up on a plate for Arshavin, caressing home for his eighth of the season. Suddenly, Arsenal were tearing forward, Everton hanging on. Substitute Nicklas Bendtner was close with a bicycle kick and Van Persie saw a searing free-kick turned over by Howard. But from the resulting Van Persie corner, Koscielny rose unmarked six yards out to power down and over the line. All changed, changed utterly. And perhaps, just perhaps, a title-winning beauty was born. If so, then this was, after all, the defining night.

Arsenal 2 Everton 1
By CHARLIE WYETT
The Sun Feb 2 2011
ARSENE WENGER sat in his armchair watching TV in total astonishment as English football went mental on transfer deadline day. Some Arsenal fans wanted their penny-pinching manager to spend January 31 welcoming new players rather than relaxing at home. But their team proved last night there is one thing wonga cannot buy: Guts. Arsenal's starting line-up cost £40million - £10m less than Fernando Torres - yet they showed real bottle to recover from a massively controversial goal by Louis Saha. Laurent Koscielny was involved in that crazy first-half effort, which looked miles offside. But the defender ended the night a hero after heading the winner just six minutes after sub Andrey Arshavin's terrific equaliser. While Arsenal were not at their free-flowing, best, they still had too much firepower for Everton, who fell to pieces as soon as Arshavin scored. But it was a mixed night for Wenger, who has more injury problems to deal with. Alex Song went off at half-time and Theo Walcott picked up a knock towards the end. Cesc Fabregas was criticised by Everton boss David Moyes for the language he used at the officials following Saha's controversial goal. For the sake of referee Lee Mason, it is probably just as well Arsenal won. Even Moyes admitted that Saha's goal should have been ruled out. Mason stuck rigidly to the letter of the law but, as we all know, the law is not only an ass, but so is Sepp Blatter for allowing the tinkering of the offside rule. The flashpoint came when Koscielny attempted to clear a 24th-minute pass from Everton's Seamus Coleman.
He got a boot on the ball but it still fell for Saha, standing two yards offside. He spun round before firing a fine left-footer past keeper Wojciech Szczesny from the edge of the penalty box. Referee Mason eventually responded to Arsenal's protests by talking to linesman Stephen Child, but still gave the goal. And, according to the current laws of the game, Mason was RIGHT. It all hinges on when a player is active, when he is not - and whether he receives the equivalent of a back-pass. Had Koscielny not played the ball, Saha would have been active and offside. Had the ball just rebounded off the defender and into Saha's path, then he would been offside. But, as Koscielny deliberately played the ball, that put the French striker onside. Incredibly, it was the first Premier League goal Arsenal have conceded in 2011. Mason struggled to get a grip of the game from that moment and it was hardly pleasing on the eye. Yet, a criticism of Arsenal is they do not scrap when the going gets tough. At least they did last night. Arshavin replaced Tomas Rosicky on 62 minutes and eight minutes later the Russian winger equalised with a stunning volley. Six minutes later, as Arsenal pressed again, keeper Tim Howard spilled a Fabregas free-kick for a corner and Koscielny powered home a header from Van Persie's set-piece to win it. And so, the season moves into February with Arsenal still very firmly in the hunt for four trophies.

Arsenal fight back for Toffees win
2 Feb 2011 London Evening Standard.
Arsenal came from behind to beat Everton 2-1 at Emirates Stadium and keep within striking distance of Barclays Premier League leaders Manchester United. Louis Saha had put the visitors ahead on 24 minutes when he slotted home despite being offside. However, the Gunners turned the game around through substitute Andrey Arshavin and Laurent Koscielny's header. Koscielny glanced a header through the six-yard box from a corner, before Cesc Fabregas then dragged a shot wide after a clever backheel from Robin van Persie. Everton, though, were ahead in controversial fashion. Saha was offside when Seamus Coleman chipped the ball through, but it spun off Koscielny's boot as he attempted to clear, falling to the Frenchman who slotted a low effort past Wojciech Szczesny. Arsenal felt more than a sense of injustice and centre-half Koscielny almost made amends when inches away from converting a corner with a diving header at the far post. The home side continued to press after the break and were finally level when Arshavin slotted home after Jack Rodwell's backheader from Fabregas' chip fell to him in the six-yard box. Van Persie sent a free-kick towards the top right angle, which Tim Howard did brilliantly to tip over. Arsenal, though, were not to be denied and turned the game around when Koscielny headed home from the resulting corner after 75 minutes. Rodwell glanced a header wide at the far post, but it was Arsenal who closed out the match and collected what could be three crucial points in the title race.

Louis Saha can lift Everton FC in wake of Arsenal loss - Mikel Arteta
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
Feb 2 2011
MIKEL ARTETA believes that keeping Louis Saha fit could be the key to resurrecting Everton’s faltering season. The Spanish midfielder believes that the former Manchester United front man can provide the goals to fire Everton up the table, and make-up for their failure to sign another striker in the January transfer window. Arteta insists that Saha, 32, underlined his class with a strong first half performance, despite the Blues ultimately leaving Arsenal’s Emirates stadium empty-handed last night. A controversial first half goal from the Frenchman, which appeared to be off-side, gave Everton the lead, and was his fourth strike in five games. But Arteta was furious that the Toffees then committed basic defensive errors to surrender their lead, and then ensure they travelled back to Merseyside empty-handed. He said: “Louis is a world class player. When he’s in form like he is right now he’s as good as anyone out there, and he showed that in the first half. “We’ve got what we’ve got in terms of players, and we need to get through with that. Hopefully he can carry on scoring for us and putting us ahead in games. “It was our mistakes that cost us. Not Arsenal being unbelievable. It was up to us and we cost ourselves the game. “The first goal Jack was unlucky because it was just over his head, then Arshavin was one on one with Tim and scored. “But the second one, someone has to pick him up. If Arsenal score a class goal then you sometimes have to accept it, but not a basic set piece like that. “It was hard to take. We were expecting to score headers against them if anything. They have a small team so we were targeting set pieces but to concede like that was tough.” Arteta had an ice-pack strapped to his knee after the game, courtesy of a bad tackle from countryman Cesc Fabreags during an ill-tempered 90 minutes that saw both sides involved in a heated exchange at half time, but the 28-year-old refused to condemn the Arsenal captain. He said: “It was a bad tackle but that happens on the pitch. People tackle. It was a bit warm to be honest at half time – there was tension. “They’re trying to win the league and were struggling to get a goal so it was a big game for them.” Arteta was equally guarded on the performance of ref Lee Mason, who failed to spot Everton’s off-side goal, and declined the opportunity to book a number of home players for fierce challengees on the visitors. He said: “I don’t comment on referees. Decisions can go for and against you. “We got the goal awarded but in the past things have gone against us.”

Arsenal 2 Everton FC 1: Defensive errors cost Blues dear against Gunners
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
Feb 2 2011
Everton lose at ArsenalEVERTON may be skint, but David Moyes’ side have traditionally boasted a defensive solidity that he could bank on. Lately, though, that normally well-drilled rear-guard has been costing the Toffees dearly. Both of the clubs who did battle at the Emirates last night barely spent a penny in the January transfer market. But when this hotly-contested match was locked in stale-mate, it was two glaring defensive errors that meant Everton remain slumped near the relegation zone. Not every problem behind Everton’s dangerously fluctuating form can be linked to their lack of finances They have conceded two goals against Liverpool, West Ham and now Arsenal. A usually well-drilled defence is leaking more than the Sky Sports production room. Let’s be clear, for all the valid assertions that Everton should have recruited a striker in January – they already have a world class goal-scorer in Louis Saha, and his performance alone perhaps deserved more in North London. Of course, money helps considerably. Arsene Wenger’s goals came courtesy of £22.5m worth of talent, Andrey Arshavin rising from the bench to net the equaliser, and Laurent Koscielny sealing the home victory. But Everton effectively shot themselves in the foot against a side they have not beaten on their travels for 15 years. They were not undone by the other-wordly finesse that the Gunners have overwhelmed them with in the past.
A failure to track Arshavin for the first, and pick up Koscielny from a corner for the second, were both errors chiefly by Jack Rodwell - who it is easy to forget is still a young man on a learning curve. The 19-year-old’s physique, assurance on the ball and mature outlook may suggest otherwise, but occasionally gaps in footballing experience at this level can be cruelly exposed. Likewise Seamus Coleman – tremendous against Chelsea in the FA Cup at the weekend, the Irishman toiled manfully but struggled to find much end-product last night, and cannot sparkle so effervescently every week. How the Blues would have liked to call on a player like Charlie Adam, or Steven Ireland to provide a bit of midfield edge to change this contest. Instead they must continue to rely on youth, and accept that mistakes happen when players are still adapting. Tim Cahill’s return in time for the visit of Blackpool cannot come quickly enough. The Aussie’s tenacity and leadership has been sorely missing, even if players like Saha and Diniyar Bilyaletdinov have shown they are capable for deputising for him admirably. Cahill would certainly have relished the gladiatorial edge to this contest. Jack Wilshere was booked on five minutes for a crude shove on Mikel Arteta, retribution for a supposed earlier misdemeanour by the Spaniard. And the Blues midfielder was felled again minutes later courtesy of a nasty clip on the heel from Cesc Fabregas. Yet the Toffees enjoyed the better early possession, giving the home side pause for thought as they looked to threaten down the flanks. Despite that the Gunners went closest to taking the lead thanks to some trademark slick play when Fabregas played an exquisite one two with Robin Van Persie, and the Dutchman drilled his shot narrowly wide. It was the cue for Wenger’s side to assert their dominance and curtail Everton’s early adventure. Next Theo Walcott forced Tim Howard into a smart save after another quick-passing move, and it seemed a matter of when not if the deadlock would be broken. But the avalanche of stylish flowing football failed to materialise. Instead it was Everton who got their noses in front. Seamus Coleman went marauding and chipped a delightful pass to an off-side Louis Saha, but in the absence of Lee Mason’s whistle the Frenchman calmly slotted past Wojciech Szczesny for his fourth goal in five games as the Emirates rocked to howls of derision. As difficult as it may have been to fathom for the home supporters, Laurent Koscielny’s block was judged to have kept play active, meaning Everton’s centre forward was on side when the ball fell to him. The shock and confusion knocked Arsenal out of their stride, and they visibly wilted in confidence until Van Persie missed a golden chance to equalise with ten minutes of the half left. Meanwhile, Saha continued to labour gamely alone up front, holding the ball up intelligently and clearly feeling the benefits of his revived form. It reflected Everton’s wider confidence, their passing growing in its sharpness as the game wore on. Predictably Arsenal came out with added vigour after the break. Van Persie fired a free kick from the edge of the area straight into the wall, and they began to slowly conjure their passing spell again. But Everton were in no mood to stand back and admire. Things had got nasty as the teams headed down the tunnel at half time, and there were more heated exchanges as the new half developed. Rodwell picked up a booking for his spiky approach, and Arteta was also shown yellow as the Blues frustrated their opponents. But Arsenal gradually regained the upperhand, and substitute Arshavin latched onto a misjudged header from Rodwell, after a cute pass from Fabregas, to lash his shot gleefully across Tim Howard. Van Persie then forced Everton’s keeper into a reflex save with a curling 25 yard free kick, and soon after it got worse. The Arsenal striker’s corner caught Everton’s rearguard dozing, and not for the first time defender Koscielny made an unchecked late dash into the box to score with a header. Moyes responded boldly, reverting to 4-4-2 with Victor Anichebe coming on to partner Saha but it was too late – their fortunes remain dogged by inconsistency. Everton can no longer save their season by fresh faces – instead they must do it by returning to basics, and recapturing a defensive mean-streak that is worth a million dollars.

Everton FC boss David Moyes: Cesc Fabregas should have been sent off for comments directed at referee Lee Mason
by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Echo
Feb 2 2011
EVERTON manager David Moyes claimed Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas should have been sent off for comments made towards referee Lee Mason during last night’s feisty Barclays Premier League clash at Emirates Stadium, which the Gunners won 2-1 to keep up their title challenge. Louis Saha had put the visitors ahead on 24 minutes when he slotted home, despite being offside. However, the Gunners turned the game around through substitute Andrey Arshavin and Laurent Koscielny’s header. Moyes, though, was left less than impressed by the Arsenal skipper. “I think it was offside, the wrong decision, but it was not Everton who made the decision,” Moyes said. “I also thought there were some really bad tackles. “But Fabregas’ comments to the officials when he was coming down the tunnel warranted a sending off. “I am not going to repeat what they were. “They were disappointing comments from someone who is such a talented footballer.”
Moyes continued: “I won’t go into what they were, but they were deserving of a sending off, 100%. “If you had said it on the pitch, you should have been off like that, so what is the difference when you are coming down the tunnel? “We heard it, but that should not be the talking point.” Everton had lost just once since November before tonight. And Moyes felt his men had done enough to get a positive result. “I thought the players did a sterling job, but we gave it away by our defending at a set-piece,” he said. “We have got nobody else to blame but ourselves. “The players did really well and except for a lapse at a set-piece, they did a really good job.”

Ian Snodin: Everton FC should travel to FA Cup replay at Chelsea full of confidence
Liverpool Echo
Feb 2 2011
FIRST things first, let me start by saying how well I thought Everton played against Chelsea last weekend. Everyone knew it was going to be a really difficult game for David Moyes and his side, but in the end they should count themselves very unfortunate not to have gone through at the first attempt. Make no mistake, Carlo Ancelotti will know his side got out of jail a bit. It was a strange game in some respects. The first half was a pretty drab affair if I’m being honest. Everton looked the more aggressive side and took the game to Chelsea, but in truth there was not a lot in it. Perhaps the most positive aspect of the half was that they limited Chelsea to just one attempt on goal – a testament to the work Johnny Heitinga and Sylvain Distin did against the threat of Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka. I said at half-time that if Everton could raise their game by 20-30%, then Chelsea were there for the taking, and to be fair to the lads they went out in the second half and were absolutely terrific.
We scored a great goal through Louis Saha – who produced the kind of centre-forward’s display that we need to see more often – and could have had more.
They got in Chelsea’s faces, they took the game to them and they were comfortably the better side. It is not often that you can say that six or seven players in a side were outstanding throughout a half of football, but Everton were tremendous right through, whilst for Chelsea only really Petr Cech stood out as having anything other than an ordinary game.
Had he not pulled off a fine save from Seamus Coleman, we would probably be talking about Everton in the next round. As it was, they were punished for one real lapse, and I’m sure the manager and the fans will be massively disappointed. So to Stamford Bridge we go and, whilst Chelsea are of course favourites and rightly so, I genuinely don’t think Everton should head to London with any fear. After all, our recent league visits have been very encouraging.
We were very unfortunate not to get all three points back in December, and we seem to be able to upset their rhythm and create chances with our forward play. How frustrating it must be for David Moyes to see his side hold their own consistently against the better sides in the league, but then fail to replicate that kind of performance against the so-called lesser lights.
No disrespect to sides like Wigan and Wolves, but it is games like those which have cost Everton this season. Moyesy must be hoping they can string a consistent run together, as they did around this time last season. One other note. I was disappointed to see the crowd down at about 28,000. For a big game like this that is slightly disappointing, but of course in the current climate it is perhaps understandable.
Keep the faith in what is David Moyes’ best squad
I SEE the silly season is over for another few months! I watched the deadline day like many others, and as the clock wound down to 11pm I hoped and I prayed that Everton would pop up with a big signing. It didn’t happen, and deep down I really didn’t expect it to – the truth is, the money just isn’t there, for whatever reason. It’s a huge shame because having lost Yakubu and Pienaar recently, we did probably need at least one new face, if only to freshen things up a bit, but it wasn’t to be. You have to have faith in the lads who are already there, and lets be honest, this is Moyes’ best squad since he’s been here. It would just have been nice to have seen some fresh blood brought in – you saw across Stanley Park what a difference a new face or two can make, after all! And in a way, there was one major positive to come out of deadline day - Phil Neville stayed. I don’t know what Tottenham were thinking offering a paltry £250,000 for Everton’s captain, but David Moyes was right to laugh it off. The bid was an insult to both player and club. Few have the professionalism and know-how of Phil, he’s a great leader and, importantly for Everton, a great talker on the pitch. That was a big thing in my day – it had to be with the likes of Big Nev, Reidy and Sharpy! – but seems to be less of an issue these days. Phil is one of the few in this squad who talks and cajoles, and to have lost him would have been awful. Thankfully, it didn’t happen.
Charlie Adam saga could benefit Everton
SATURDAY welcomes Blackpool to Goodison Park, and can I just say, I think the Seasiders have been a breath of fresh air for the Premier League. Their manager Ian Holloway is a great, outgoing character with a lot of energy and passion – you only need to watch one of his superb press conferences to see that – and his side is representative of that. They play with freedom and they play without fear, they are an attacking side with a “you score two, we score three” mentality, and as such we should be in for a really good, open, attractive game on Saturday.
Everton will certainly not be underestimating them. One thing that could work in Everton’s favour is the saga surrounding Charlie Adam. It is no secret that Adam wanted to leave the club - probably for another team on Merseyside, I’m told – and Everton will be hoping that the situation plays on his mind, because he is capable of bossing a game from midfield. It will be interesting to see his reaction to being forced to stay at Blackpool – personally I can sympathise with both sides in that particular argument - but for Everton’s sake, I hope he gets a sulk on!
Now is the time to rest Tim Cahill
TIM CAHILL will be available for selection this weekend, after his exploits with Australia in the Asia Cup. Yet whilst Tim is an integral part of Everton’s team, and key to the way they play, I would be very tempted to leave him out on Saturday. Don’t get me wrong, he would be in my first eleven week in, week out, but he has done an awful lot of travelling recently, and by all accounts was looking very jaded for Australia, picking up a niggling injury too, and it would be a risk to throw such an important player straight back into the cut and thrust of the Premier League. No disrespect to Blackpool, but if there is a time to allow Tim a weekend off to recharge his batteries, then it could well be this weekend.

Everton FC's Jack Rodwell on the club’s St Domingo fashion collection and David Beckham
by Dawn Collinson, Liverpool Echo
Feb 2 2011
PREMIERSHIP footballers are almost as scrutinised for their off-the-pitch style as their ball skills in today’s celebrity game. But Jack Rodwell, one of Everton’s brightest young stars, insists he’s about as far away from the catwalk-loving big spenders as it’s possible to get.
In fact, the England under-21 player is far more at home in a T-shirt than wearing the latest designer collections. I do like fashion, but I’m not a religious follower of trends,” he says, “and I’m more likely to read football magazines than fashion ones. But fashion is like a religion in football, and you can feel like everyone’s got designer labels so you’ve got to do it too – it’s easy to get caught up in that. “I do remember my first really expensive designer buy which was a Gucci leather jacket. I’d wanted it for ages and when I was buying it I couldn’t believe it, but afterwards it was worth it. It’s a special occasion thing, though, so I never really wear it – it comes out now and again but I couldn’t go out in it all the time in case anything happened to it! “I really don’t mind whether something’s designer or high street, though, so I probably start off at the designer level and then just work down. I’m not snobbish about clothes at all, and really there aren’t that many designer places when I go shopping in Southport, so I’ll usually end up in the likes of Topman, which I really like, and River Island.” Off duty the 19-year-old’s style is cool but casual, so Everton’s St Domingo range, with its dark fashion edge, suits him perfectly. “I am definitely happier in T-shirt and jeans or shorts,” he adds. “But I don’t really go to events where it’s necessary to wear a suit, and if I don’t have to I would never choose to.” Modelling the collection exclusively for Real, there’s no denying that Jack is almost as much of a natural in front of the camera as he is on the ball. So is it something he’d like to do more of, like a certain Mr Beckham maybe?
“I am quite comfortable doing it, I really don’t mind, and if I got to David Beckham’s position obviously I’d be really happy.” Even stripped down on a billboard? “Oh definitely,” he laughs, “if you’ve got it, you’ve got to flaunt it haven’t you!” The St Domingo’s range is available now exclusively at Everton One, Everton Two and online at www.evertondirect.com.

Former Everton FC director and Wirral businessman Jim Hacking dies aged 90
by Emily Gosden, Liverpool Echo
Feb 2 2011
AN ENTREPRENEUR who served alongside John Moores and Harry Catterick on the board of Everton FC has died. The family of James Hacking, known as Jim, today paid tribute to a “wonderful businessman, sportsman and a marvellous family man”. Mr Hacking, of Caldy, founded nut snack products business Sun Valley in 1949 in Price Street, Birkenhead.
With his wife Gladys, he built a successful firm now employing 150 people. He kept working at Sun Valley’s Bromborough factory in his final months and was chairman until he died aged 90 on January 23. Mr and Mrs Hacking were together for more than 60 years and had five children and eight grandchildren. Mr Hacking’s daughter Frances Street said: “He was the heart and soul of the family and we are going to miss him enormously. “He was gentle and kind, he was generous, he loved telling jokes and meeting people.”

Arsenal 2 Everton FC 1 - Ian Doyle's verdict from the Emirates Stadium
by Ian Doyle, Liverpool Daily Post
Feb 2 2011
SUPPORTERS travelling to the Emirates yesterday on the underground were greeted with posters promoting the forthcoming Bill Kenwright production of The Wizard Of Oz. But while there were no tin men or cowardly lions among the cast of the theatre impresario’s other great love last night, Everton discovered that real life, unlike fairytales, has a nasty habit of failing to follow the script. Underdogs don’t always win. Yet for much of this encounter, it appeared as though David Moyes’s players would once again pick the pockets of the so-called big boys. While the debate over whether Louis Saha’s controversial 24th-minute opener will no doubt rage for days, there was no doubting Everton’s commitment and application last night. However, the sheer volume of Arsenal’s second-half pressure ultimately told when, six minutes after Andriy Arshavin’s 70th-minute equaliser, Laurent Koscielny headed home to end Everton’s five-match unbeaten run. Most frustrating for Goodison manager Moyes is that both goals owed as much to sloppy Everton defending as incisive Arsenal play. The visitors deserved better than to lose in such a manner, such was their contribution to an engrossing if somewhat bad-tempered encounter played amid a crackling Emirates atmosphere. Yes, really. Saha led the line superbly until fading during the past hour, while Marouane Fellaini strode the midfield with purpose before being unable to stem the inevitable home tide. Yet the concern remains for Moyes that the Everton defence, normally the cornerstone of his teams, continues to prove so porous with only one clean sheet in the last 16 games. It was a remarkable statistic that Arsenal’s starting line-up last night cost less than Fernando Torres, while the outlay for Everton’s first XI was only marginally more than that for the Spaniard. Indeed, both clubs spent next to nothing during last month’s transfer window. But while for Arsene Wenger it was a show of faith in his present squad, Moyes seemingly had little choice over the matter. This, then, is what he has to work with between now and the end of the season, although numbers will be significantly bolstered for Saturday’s Premier League visit of Blackpool with the return from international duty of Tim Cahill. Of course, not every assignment will be as difficult as this. Leeds United and Huddersfield Town had both shown in the FA Cup that life can be made uncomfortable for Arsenal at the Emirates and, bolstered by their own Cup heroics, an unchanged Everton began the game confidently. But the visitors were eventually pressed back as Arsenal started clicking into gear. After Phil Neville deflected a Robin van Persie free-kick wide, the Dutchman whipped the resultant corner into the six-yard box where Koscielny failed to connect properly with his header. Van Persie then produced a delightful backheel inside the area to play a one-two with the incoming Cesc Fabregas, who dragged his shot well wide of the target. Midway through the half, Tim Howard was forced to save with his legs from Theo Walcott’s angled drive after a challenge between John Heitinga and Alex Song saw the ball drop invitingly into the Arsenal winger’s path. But just when it appeared Everton’s early momentum was stalling, the visitors went ahead in controversial circumstances on 24 minutes. Saha was two yards behind the Arsenal back line when Seamus Coleman played an attempted throughball that was then directed to the feet of the Frenchman via Koscielny’s outstretched boot. However, assistant referee Stephen Child kept his flag down and, after Saha stroked home confidently, Arsenal reacted furiously to what, in all honesty, appeared a clear offside call. But the rules have been muddied to such an extent that even men like Richard Keys and Andy Gray would struggle for a definitive explanation. It would appear, though, this was to do with phases of attack – Saha may have been offside when Coleman played the pass, but because Koscielny made a genuine play for the ball, his touch meant the Everton man was then onside and in the clear. Right?

The Gunners implored referee Lee Mason to consult with his assistant but, after lengthy discourse between the pair, the decision stood, Everton enjoying an all-too-rare rub of the green from the officials. While contentious, the strike was Saha’s fourth in his last five games, a further indication he simply must be nursed carefully through the remainder of the campaign if Everton are to finish with any kind of flourish. His first-half performance as a lone striker was outstanding. An angry Arsenal responded. Koscielny couldn’t reach Johan Djourou’s flick from a van Persie corner before Rodwell did well to track back and harass Fabregas into shooting wide after the Spaniard was released by Jack Wilshere. Van Persie then sent a difficult lob over Howard and the crossbar from another Wilshere pass, but Everton gave a reminder of their threat on the break when, after Leighton Baines rose above a confused Bacary Sagna and Walcott to head on Heitinga’s long punt, Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny saved from Diniyar Bilyaletdinov. Arsenal continued to create after the interval but, with Everton’s defence refusing to drop too deep, were restricted to long-range efforts with Tomas Rosicky wide and van Persie shooting at Howard. The pressure, though, soon began to tell. Van Persie hit a shot on the turn wide and substitute Abou Diaby’s good run ended with a wild finish. And the game changed on two goals in six minutes. The first, on 70 minutes, came when a stretching Rodwell failed to cut out a lofted Fabregas pass and the ball dropping for substitute Arshavin to finish first-time beyond Howard. The goalkeeper then clutched a Nicklas Bendtner overhead kick before producing a fine save to beat out van Persie’s fierce free-kick, but could do nothing when van Persie’s deep corner was met by the criminally unmarked Koscielny, who headed into the bottom corner. Unlike Everton’s last visit to the Emirates, there was to be no injury-time goal sealing a 2-2 draw. Instead, only a lingering sense of what might have been.

Neil Dewsnip looking for Everton FC to bounce straight back from FA Youth Cup defeat
by Chris Wright, Liverpool Daily Post
Feb 2 2011
EVERTON under-18s get back to FA Premier Academy League action this week looking to put their FA Youth Cup disappointment behind them. Neil Dewsnip’s side sit on top of the Group C table and travel to take on Bolton Wanderers this Saturday (kick-off 11am).
With no match over the weekend Everton had plenty of time to reflect on their 1-0 fourth round defeat in the FA Youth Cup at Middlesbrough. And while they are disappointed not to have gone further in the Youth Cup, the season has been one of positives and they will look to bounce back by staying ahead of the chasing pack. Everton are three points ahead of Manchester City and will be keen to keep or increase the gap in the coming weeks. Having finished second last season, they will be looking to go one better this time. Dewsnip said: “It was very disappointing to go out of the Youth Cup. We didn’t play well in the first half and they did. But in the second half we did extremely well – probably as well as we have played all year. We really had a good go and missed three or four outstanding chances – which is a lack of quality I suppose in the final third. “We didn’t feel as if we should have lost, but the lads have got to bounce back and it is a big game this weekend against Bolton. They are doing well and it should be a good game.” He added: “The lads have shown great character this year and I would suspect that will be the case again. They have been a terrific set of lads mentally all year and I’m sure they’ll bounce back. “If we can do well in the league and the Youth Cup that is great. But they are secondary aims. For the players and the staff it is about progressing to the next stage. That is what we will strive for over the next few months. “But the longer you stay in the Youth Cup, the longer you stay in contention for the league, it does add a touch of excitement along the way. And as part of their education you want them to be competing for trophies now and in the future, so it is all good stuff.”

Pre-match preview: Everton FC v Blackpool, Premier League
To be played at Goodison Park, Saturday February 5 kick off 3pm
Everton's last five games
Feb 1: Premier League - Arsenal 2 Everton 1
Jan 29: FA Cup - Everton 1 Chelsea 1
Jan 22: Premier League - Everton 2 West Ham 2
Jan 16: Premier League - Liverpool 2 Everton 2
Jan 8: FA Cup - Scunthorpe 1 Everton 5
Blackpool's last five games
Feb 2: Premier League - Blackpool 1 West Ham 3
Jan 25: Premier League - Blackpool 2 Man Utd 3
Jan 22: Premier League - Blackpool 1 Sunderland 3
Jan 15: Premier League - West Brom 3 Blackpool 2
Jan 12: Premier League - Blackpool 2 Liverpool 1
Past meetings
Everton's overall record against Blackpool:
Played 49 - Won 21 - Drawn 13 - Lost 15 - Goals for 73 - Goals conceded 59
Selected meetings
6 Nov 2010 - Blackpool 2 Everton 2
The sides shared the spoils in their first meeting in almost thirty years back in November - twice the Seasiders got their noses in front courtesy of Neil Eardley and David Vaughan only for Everton to almost immediately equalise through Tim Cahill and, predictably, Seamus Coleman who had spent time on loan at Bloomfield Road last season.
26 Aug 1980 - Everton 3 Blackpool 0 League Cup 2nd round 1st leg
The Blues last win over Blackpool came in this early-season League Cup encounter in 1980 - Peter Eastoe, Bob Latchford and Joe McBride all got on the scoresheet with Latchford (view a picture gallery of him below) bagging a brace in the 2-2 second leg draw at Bloomfield Road to seal Everton's passage to round three.
Harry Catterick's men put on a five-star performance on the way to lifting the League Championship that season as their north-west opponents were simply blown away - Golden Vision Alec Young (view a picture gallery of him below) scored twice, with Billy Bingham, Jimmy Gabriel and Dennis Stevens also finding the net.
Ones to watch
Everton
Tim Cahill's return from Asia Cup duty will be welcomed by David Moyes and the rest of the Blues squad. Louis Saha's strike at Arsenal was his fourth in his last five games and will give the manager much to ponder as he considers his striking options. Seamus Coleman has been one of the shining lights of a thus-far disappointing season for the Blues and will be hoping to continue his good form against the side who helped to get promoted last season.
Blackpool
Charlie Adam's future was subject to much debate and several offers as the January transfer drew to a close but he remains at Bloomfield Road and scored his sixth goal of the season in Wednesday's home defeat to West Ham. Frenchman Elliott Grandin has put in some impressive performances since arriving from CSKA Sofia in the summer while Australian defender David Carney began his career at Everton as a trainee in 2002 and will be excited to return to Goodison.
Latest odds from Betfred
Everton 4/9
Draw - 7/2
Everton - 13/2

David Moyes is the only motivation we need says Everton FC’s Sylvain Distin
by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
Feb 3 2011
SYLVAIN DISTIN has declared that David Moyes is the only motivation Everton need to help them salvage a disappointing season. Many Blues fans were frustrated at the club’s failure to bring in any new faces during the January transfer window – while Yakubu, Steven Pienaar and James Vaughan all left the club – and there were widespread internet rumours yesterday that Moyes had resigned. Bookies William Hill slashed their odds on Moyes leaving from from 16/1 to 3/1, but the Blues boss dismissed the fanciful reports and was at Bloomfield Road last night running the rule over Saturday’s opponents Blackpool. And defender Distin insists that the fiery Scot still has the ability to push his players that extra mile. Asked whether the Blues players may suffer from a lack of competition for places following the exit of three senior stars, he rapped: “We don’t need that to push ourselves in training we have the manager for that. Trust me we don’t need anything else!” And Distin added that the quality of the Blues squad was still high. “It’s great because Phil Jagielka is an England international and Johnny Heitinga is a Dutch international who played in the World Cup final recently. “I’m not an international so it’s tough competition for me but it’s great,” added Distin. “It’s really healthy competition, we get on really well with each other and we just try to compete to play every weekend.” Distin, 33, has been an ever present for the Blues this term and is having one of his best seasons. “I’ve enjoyed my football ever since I came to England, some times it’s more difficult than others and it has been frustrating this season because we’ve drawn too many games,” said Distin. “But I realise how lucky I am to play football and I am really enjoying my time at Everton, it’s all good.” Arsenal skipper Cesc Fabregas, meanwhile, will escape any FA charge despite David Moyes’ complaints that the Spaniard’s comments to referee Lee Mason at half-time were “terrible” and worthy of a red card. The match official has made no mention of the incident in his report.
Everton’s FA Cup fourth round replay at Stamford Bridge, meanwhile, has been confirmed for Saturday February 19 (kick-off 12.30pm). The match will be screened live by ESPN.

Everton FC’s Mikel Arteta is desperate to find home comforts
by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
Feb 3 2011
THERE are only three teams in the Barclays Premier League with a worse home record than Everton this season. And there are only three teams who have performed better away from home than Blackpool. But Mikel Arteta has demanded that Everton upset the formbook at the weekend when The Tangerines come to Goodison. Everton have won just three Premier League games at Goodison this season – against Liverpool, Stoke and Tottenham – while Blackpool have already won five league games on their travels – including one famous victory on Merseyside already this season. Arteta says he is aware that the Blues must do better. “Our home form is not good enough,” he declared. “We are one of the worst teams at home in the league this season and that tells you we have not been performing. “But Saturday we will need to be patient. We want to win and we know the crowd want to win but it may not happen in the first 20 minutes. It is about the result at 90 minutes – not 20 minutes. We need them right behind us and we want them right behind us. “It is a massive game,” he added. “We need the points desperately. We need to be really consistent at home from now on. It is game on. “They are a good side, they are not afraid of anyone, they are going to come and attack us so we have to make sure we are ready and get the three points. Arteta is reassured that if Blackpool come to Goodison and attack, as Tottenham did in Everton’s last home win, the more open game will work in the Blues’ favour. “The fans were terrific at Arsenal with the way they supported the team,” he added. “I am disappointed that we could not get them a result. But it is another game on Saturday and a massive one at that.” Reflecting on the 2-1 defeat at the Emirates, Arteta added: “We did a lot of good things but the end result is that we have lost three points and we are disappointed. “I think we deserved more for what we have done over 90 minutes but in those two key moments we lost concentration, we did not pick up the men and it cost us. “I think we tried really hard and played some terrific football against a really good side. Ultimately it was two mistakes that made the difference and we can’t afford to do that again.”

Angry Charlie Adam to be unleashed on Everton FC
by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
Feb 3 2011
EVERTON have been warned that Blackpool playmaker Charlie Adam is in the mood to take his transfer deadline day frustrations out on them this weekend. And the warning has come from Blues’ boss David Moyes’ brother! Kenny Moyes is the agent for Scottish schemer Adam, who saw potential moves to Liverpool and Tottenham blocked on Monday. But the agent insisted that Adam won’t be sulking when his Blackpool side come to Goodison Park on Saturday. “It has been a major stress for Charlie, a real emotional rollercoaster,” said Moyes. “As well as being angry he feels gutted and badly let down as the only player to put in a transfer request and have it ignored. “Luckily, coming from Rangers, he is bullet-proof, and I can promise you that you won’t see any difference in his level of performance. He will be as committed and passionate as ever. That’s just the way Charlie is – he’s the sort of guy you would always want in the trenches alongside you.” Adam is now set to leave Blackpool in the summer, with manager Ian Holloway admitting it will be “impossible” to keep hold of the player. But first he has another 14 matches to negotiate in which he will try to keep the Tangerines in the Premier League. “Charlie loves Blackpool and the Blackpool fans, but he was desperate to move to Liverpool – who wouldn’t feel that way when a club like that comes calling?” added Moyes. “But he was seriously mucked about. Blackpool refused to put a figure on how much they wanted for him and would not enter any meaningful negotiations. He has personal ambitions he wants to fulfil, and I just hope the club play fair with him in the summer.” Adam has been a huge success for Blackpool this season and is in the top ten list of Premier League goal assists, one place behind Everton’s Leighton Baines.
Joining Adam in the Blackpool squad this weekend will be former Everton striker James Beattie, who has joined Blackpool on-loan from Rangers. “I’m delighted to be here, and I’m delighted to be back in the Premiership,” he said after arriving at Blackpool. “It had a lot to do with the manager and what he was saying to me and what he wanted me to do at the club. “I’m ready to play, if the gaffer wants to throw me in. “I’ve maybe not played the games I’d have wanted to but I’ve kept myself in good shape. I’ll be working very hard to get my place and when I do get a chance it’ll be up to me to keep it. “Hopefully I can show the lads what I’m capable of and then chip in with some goals that will keep us in this division.”

EFC Letters: Everton should be able to cope with the loss of Steven Pienaar
Liverpool Echo
Feb 3 2011
I STILL can’t believe some of the abuse Kenwright gets. If nothing else, he is the reason we still have Moyes, who we need far more than he needs us. We didn’t need any new players at the beginning of the season, certainly none that we could afford, as they couldn’t have improved our first team, and even though we have lost Pienaar we should be good enough to consolidate our position without panic buys for second rate Duncan Fergusons.
server21
THE only way to sort the sorry state of affairs out at our club is for the fans to come together and arrange a series of peaceful protests aimed at letting Kenwright and his minions know that we are not prepared to carry on like this. We want some quality players brought in or we want you out Bill. You can’t honestly say that we have left no stone unturned when looking for players. Look at all of the players who were available on loan this month who would have improved our side. This is not on anymore, we shouldn’t be rooting around for scraps, we are Everton Football club!
Mr_Whats_iz_name
TO be honest it is pretty embarrassing to be an Everton fan at the minute. The thing I find hard to understand is that we have let five players leave either permanently or on loan and we have only brought in two young lads to cover these positions. I understand that Agard and Silva are fringe players, but if we have a bout of injuries which is likely with our existing form, we may struggle to find a starting 11. Why? Have the manager or chairman not made a statement explaining the issues? Or just something to appease the fans?
I truly believe that our fans will start protesting by not going to games and in the long run this will have more of a detrimental effect on the club.
Evertonedwards
I KEEP hoping that Bill Kenwright is sitting on the biggest secret in Liverpool and an Evertonian billionaire is about to come out of the woodwork, pay of our debts and build us a stadium. However, in the real world, you know you are in a mess when Blackpool can outspend you. I don’t know how Moyes can put up much longer with having no money to spend. We are not even punching our weight anymore, let alone punching above it.
God forbid but I don’t think anybody would blame David Moyes if he walked now.
Mpbefc
THE game against Arsenal was one we should not have lost. It was purely down to a lack of belief in ourselves to go on and win it. The boys were in shock that we were 1-0 up at Arsenal after 70 minutes and subconsciously thought they’d do something about it.
The same could happen at Chelsea in the cup. Well, one league win since the end of October is a massive worry. We have to start winning and fast.
TopBalcony
Everton can’t stand still anymore.
£35 million for Andy Carroll? Give David Moyes that and he’ll get you a full team. Imagine what he could do if he was backed with serious money?
Tinytim

Arsenal’s Cesc Fabregas defends his conduct against Everton FC
by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Echo
Feb 3 2011
ARSENAL captain Cesc Fabregas is adamant he did not cross the line of respect when talking to referee Lee Mason in the tunnel during Tuesday night’s win over Everton.
According to Blues manager David Moyes, the Spain midfielder made unrepeatable comments to Mason at half-time, when Arsenal trailed to a goal that both managers agreed should not have been given due to offside. Fabregas said: “There has been much talk about me saying things to the officials at half-time on Tuesday night. All I can say is that I have respect for all match officials. Their job is a very difficult one and their decisions are final.
“Yes, I was upset at half-time. So too were about 60,000 Arsenal supporters in the stadium. We were one-nil down against a very good Everton side to a goal which we felt was offside. Of course I am going to be upset. Players from both sides were saying things as we came off the pitch, and this always happens in football. “I’m passionate about this club and like all the players want to win every single match, so many things are said in the heat of the moment. “Clearly the officials feel that nothing serious happened, as I understand the referee has not included anything in his match report.” The issue arose after Louis Saha’s goal for Everton was allowed to stand despite calls for offside. Arsenal went on to win the game thanks to goals from Andrey Arshavin and Laurent Koscielny, with an angry Moyes saying after the game: “I think it was offside, but it was not Everton who made the decision. If the linesman does not give offside, we have to take the chance.”

Mikel Arteta fed up of Everton FC hard luck stories
Liverpool Daily Post
Feb 3 2011
MIKEL ARTETA has had enough of Everton’s hard luck stories – and admits the Goodison outfit must start winning games if they don’t want to be sucked into a relegation dogfight.
Despite taking a first-half lead through Louis Saha and being the better side for more than an hour, David Moyes’s side still slipped to a 2-1 defeat at Arsenal on Tuesday night. While it ended a five-match unbeaten run, Everton have taken only 14 points from their last 14 Premier League games, eight of which have been drawn. That failure in many of those games to convert dominance into victories has left Moyes’s men just four points off the bottom three. And Arteta concedes that Everton have to begin moving nearer to safety – starting with Saturday’s visit of Blackpool. “A draw isn’t good enough for us now, we need the points to climb up the table,” said the Spanish schemer. “We don’t want to get into trouble. “We’ve got a tough game against Blackpool on Saturday, they are a decent side and they take a lot of risks. They run forward and get at you. “But for us, it’s not good enough just to play well for a big part of the game. We really need the points at this stage of the season.”
Everton have won only three of their 11 home league games and, after praising the support the team received at the Emirates in midweek, Arteta has urged the fans to remain patient at the weekend. “Our home form is not good enough,” he added. “We are one of the worst teams at home in the league this season and that tells you we have not been performing.
“But Saturday we will need to be patient. We want to win and we know the crowd want to win but it may not happen in the first 20 minutes. It is about the result at 90 minutes – not 20 minutes. We need them right behind us and we want them right behind us. “It is a massive game. We need the points desperately. We need to be really consistent at home from now on. It is game on. “The fans were terrific at Arsenal with the way they supported the team and I am disappointed that we could not get them a result. But it is another game on Saturday and a massive one at that.” Meanwhile, Everton have confirmed the FA Cup fourth round replay at Chelsea will take place on Saturday, February 18.
The game will kick-off at 12.30pm and, as with the 1-1 draw at Goodison on Saturday, will be shown live on ESPN.

Mark Lawrenson: How long will David Moyes put up with Everton FC’s lack of cash?
by Nick Smith, Liverpool Daily Post
Feb 3 2011
NO wonder David Moyes had a face like thunder when he turned up for his press conference on transfer deadline. There he was watching helicopters ship record signings into the red half of the city, while he was reduced to rejecting derisory offers for Phil Neville from Harry Redknapp. Moyes will always endeavour to make the most of what he’s got and, as Everton showed at Arsenal on Tuesday night, they will always compete over 90 minutes.
But competing over a whole season when you have no resources to even get a quality loan signing in the window is much more difficult. And the activity across Stanley Park won’t have helped Moyes’s mood one bit. Earlier in the season, you would have said Everton actually had a better squad than Liverpool. Anfield was swimming in mediocrity and there appeared to be a real gulf between the squads when Everton triumphed in the derby at Goodison.
But Liverpool seem set to pull away now because they finally have that vital investment.
Just how long Moyes will be prepared to wait for some to arrive in the blue half of Merseyside is becoming more of a dilemma with each passing window.

Blue Watch: What is going on with Everton FC?
by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Daily Post
Feb 3 2011
Apart from ‘who’s marking their centre half?’ that’s the only question being asked by Blues this week as the transfer window closed without any reinforcements whatsoever.
Rumours and mischievous gossip are always rife at this time of year, and most of it can be dismissed out of hand, after all, if you believe half of what you hear you would think that David Moyes does little else other than losing the dressing room, threatening to resign and having blazing rows with just about every other member of staff at Goodison Park. That said, events around the club on Monday, the last day of business this season, certainly provided plenty of grist to the rumour mill. For a start, no new faces were added to a squad that was struggling even before it was depleted by the departures of established players Yakubu and Steven Pienaar. That in itself only tells us that cash is tight, which comes as a surprise to absolutely nobody.

Holloway: We’ll get through slump
Blackpool manager Ian Holloway on the touchline
By Steve Canavan
Thu Feb 03 2011
Blackpool Gazzette
IAN Holloway has admitted his team is “on the crest of a slump”, but has no doubts they have the character and desire to come good. The Seasiders boss was disappointed at last night’s 3-1 defeat to West Ham, but not too disheartened. He is certain his players will recover from a run of four straight defeats – he just wants them to maintain their belief and ignore the doom-mongers. “We are on the crest of a slump at the moment, and we have to dig ourselves out of it,” he said. “In this division you have to believe in yourselves, and keep going, and that’s what we have to do. “We are going to need to get our shields out because I know all these people will start going on about what a bad run we’re on and all that nonsense. Well, shove it. We’ll have a go and that’s all we can do. “I still think we are quite a few points above where people thought we’d be. But these horrible runs can get hold of you, and drag you down and we have to make sure everybody at the club doesn’t let that happen.
“We have to keep fighting and I still believe some of the things we did against West Ham will, on another day, get us the right result. “We are still four points above them at the moment. It would have been lovely to be 10 points above them, but you need things to go your way and unfortunately that didn’t happen on the night. We were always going to have a difficult period. But this group of lads will dig in and fight back.” Holloway’s mood has been buoyed by the fact that he now feels he has a squad in place which has the experience to do the business in the Premier League. Andy Reid made an impressive full debut, while James Beattie looked a handful when he came on. He also has James Puncheon – an unused sub last night – to call on. “We started the season with hardly any squad, and we worked really hard to bring one lot in. We’ve now brought another lot in and we need to get going again,” the boss added. “That’s the reason I am still very upbeat – because I’ve never had such a good squad ... mind you, I’ve never been in such a good league either. “We’ve got new players in and I was pleased with Andy Reid, who did well considering he hadn’t played much. “I might actually feel like a Premier League manager now, because I’ve got a really good, strong squad to pick from. James Beattie, Marlon Harewood ... these boys are better than we’ve ever had before and they are experienced as well. I might have to leave some big people out and make sure they don’t get a sulk on when I bring them off.” As if last night’s result wasn’t bad enough, centre back Craig Cathcart had to be replaced at half -time with a hamstring injury, and is a major doubt for Saturday’s trip to Everton. “Things just don’t seem to be going our way – West Ham’s first goal summed it up last night,” added Holloway. “The shot from Victor Obina went through Richard Kingson’s fingers. We got back in it through a fantastic corner from Charlie. “The bottom line is that we have exceeded what everyone involved in football thought we would do. But this is a slightly sticky patch and I am going to need this squad and we are going to need to stick together.”

Howard Kendall: Crawley cup draw brings back memories of Telford in 1985
Liverpool Echo Feb 4 2011
CRAWLEY’S magical march into the fifth round of the FA Cup brings back memories of one of the last times a non-League team got to the last 16. It was 1985 and, like Crawley, non-League Telford were handed a draw to the champions-elect – Everton Football Club. But a word of warning for Manchester United, even though we eventually triumphed 3-0 it wasn’t easy and we had to wait until Trevor Steven scored a special goal to break the deadlock. The FA Cup was generally kind to me – my worst experience came at Stoke when non-league Blyth Spartans knockd us out. They call it the magic of the Cup – although I wasn’t so sure at the time!

Arsene Wenger criticises David Moyes for his comments about Cesc Fabregas
by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Echo Feb 4 2011
ARSENE WENGER is in no doubt Cesc Fabregas has the strength of character to beat what the Arsenal manager believes is a witch hunt against his captain. Fabregas, 23, has once again found himself the centre of attention after Everton manager David Moyes claimed the Spain midfielder made unrepeatable comments to match officials, which should have earned him a red card, as the players went down the tunnel at half-time of their Barclays Premier League clash at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night, when Arsenal trailed to a controversial goal which appeared offside. The Football Association have confirmed referee Lee Mason did not include any such incident in his report, although further speculation of just what the Arsenal captain was reported to have shouted, questioning the integrity of the officials, emerged yesterday. Wenger is in no doubt there is an agenda against his captain - but has backed the World Cup winner to come through as he drives the team on for success in all four competitions. Asked if he thought there was a witch hunt against Fabregas, Wenger replied: “Yes. We are long enough in the job to know that somebody picks on you for a while, and you are in the heat of the moment. “But for me what is the most important is the player behaves well. “When Cesc is on the pitch, he tries to play football - I cannot say everybody who plays against him tries to do that.” He added: “People are more demanding, and Cesc has to live with that. “It is not easy, but he is a very intelligent man and he will learn very quickly to cope with that. “Cesc is 24 this year, he has played 250 games in the Premier League - at that age, it is absolutely remarkable. “He has gone through a lot, difficult moments, but has always come out stronger - this guy is a fantastic leader.” The FA now consider the matter closed, although Everton could yet make a formal complaint. Fabregas issued a statement last night, insisting he did not overstep the mark and held the utmost respect for all match officials, adding “many things are said in the heat of the moment”. Wenger rebuked Everton manager Moyes for ever bringing the situation into the public domain. “I believe that it is wrong for Moyes to come out on what he pretends to have heard in the tunnel,” Wenger said. “If I come out with what I have heard in the tunnel is the last 10 years, you would be amazed. “I think there is a rule in our job to never come out with what is said in the heat of the moment. That usually is respected by everybody.” Wenger added: “If Cesc is guilty, he would have been charged. He has not been charged by the FA, there is no action against him so I don’t see why we should spend any more time to defend somebody who is not guilty. “For me the incident is closed.”
Howard Kendall: Phil Jagielka has to come back in to Everton FC team
Liverpool Echo Feb 4 2011
YOU don’t suddenly change your mind as to what your best team is. So while Johnny Heitinga has done well in recent games, I would expect Phil Jagielka to now return to the Everton defence. Jags has proved he is number one at the back and after his brief introduction at The Emirates on Tuesday I would expect him to start games again. That may be harsh on Heitinga if he is the man to make way, but that’s football. I had the same dilemma, especially when Kevin Richardson came in for the injured Kevin Sheedy and performed tremendously. Richo actually scored both goals in a vital 2-1 win at Southampton, and I still left him out for the next game against Tottenham. I remember a match, too, where I had two left-siders, Neil Pointon and Kevin Sheedy on the subs bench. I asked them to warm up and Neil started sprinting energetically up and down the touchline, while Kevin ambled in front of the dug-out and started gently stretching his groin. Who do you think went on? Kevin Sheedy, of course. Like I said, you don’t change your mind as to your best team – and Kevin Sheedy was always in my best starting XI. Just like Phil Jagielka is now.

Howard Kendall: Everton FC’s entire season hinges on Chelsea cup replay
Liverpool Echo Feb 4 2011
I DON’T think it’s overstating the case to say that Everton’s entire season now hinges on one game – at Stamford Bridge in a fortnight’s time. The performance against Chelsea last weekend was good, but unfortunately we couldn’t see the job through and now face the prospect of a trip to London to see who will entertain Reading in the fifth round. A positive result – and a draw after 120 minutes followed by a penalty shoot-out success would do – and the season still has a purpose. But defeat and there’s only a bid to achieve mid-table respectability to look forward to. one. We are a much better team than our current points tally suggests. But the problem appears to have been too many draws against teams who have set their stall out to frustrate us. Against teams like that we need creative players like Mikel Arteta to be at their best. But sadly that hasn’t happened often enough this season. I thought there were signs of Mikel’s old sparkle returning last weekend, though, and hopefully he can build on that again against Blackpool tomorrow. After a bright start Ian Holloway’s side now appear to be suffering a Hull City type slide and this could be a good time to face them. Holloway has brought in four new faces in a bid to freshen up his squad – including a face which will be familiar to many at Goodison Park, former Blues striker James Beattie. But they will still rely on organisation, determination and discipline – and if we can get our creative talents like Arteta on the ball we should be able to collect a morale-boosting three points.

Dave Prentice: Everton and Liverpool fans find themselves on opposite sides of the transfer window
By David Prentice Feb 4 2011
WHILE Kopites celebrated their club’s ‘spend, spend, spend’ policy on transfer deadline day – being an Evertonian on January 31 was articulated best by a pal for whom skies truly were grey. "Being a Blue on transfer deadline day is like being the designated driver at a stag do," he moaned. And while Blues will be fearing a few more dry runs in the transfer windows ahead, Reds can be confident their spending hasn’t even got started. Despite breaking the British transfer record for an Englishman – and adding another £22.8 on Luis Suarez – Liverpool’s net spend was a mere £1.8m, thanks to the sums banked for Fernando Torres and Ryan Babel. And while Andy Carroll tripled his wages following his move from Tyneside, it still paled alongside the £130,000 a week Fernando Torres was receiving – leaving Liverpool £50,000 a week better off on the deal. And let’s nor forget that prior to the new Americans’ arrival at Anfield, Liverpool were paying £40m a year in interest repayments on crippling club debts. Now they’re spending money on players. That’s some trick – to bring in two international class strikers, reduce your wage bill – and still keep some money in the bank for a rainy day. No wonder the mood at Anfield on Wednesday night was a vibrant one. Just across the park, however, grey skies are gathering.

Dave Prentice: The painfully short memory of Arsene Wenger
By David Prentice Feb 4 2011
IT’S not often that Arsene Wenger appears to have his eyes open long enough to start throwing stones. But when he does, he tosses them from the biggest glass house since the old Crystal Palace burned down. Yesterday the Arsenal manager accused David Moyes of breaking an unwritten rule in football. Wenger was miffed that Moyes had made public the Arsenal captain’s half-time altercation with referee Lee Mason in midweek. "I think there is a rule in our job to never come out with what is said in the heat of the moment," said Wenger. "I believe that it is wrong for Moyes to come out on what he pretends to have heard." He spoke without an ounce of irony. Clearly he’d forgotten the moment in 2006 when he welcomed Andy Johnson to The Emirates with the tribute: "If he gets penalties he gets them and it is for the referee to judge. "Eight out of 10 are genuine penalties and two he gets he makes more of it. But he does not look to me to be a cheat." All very Shakespearean. All very Antony and Cleopatra. All that was missing was: "For Andy Johnson is an honourable man. Really. Cross my heart." Wenger wasn’t so charitable after the match, though, when Everton had held his team to a 1-1 draw. Johnson was labelled "very clever in the box". And that reputation stuck. Just a single, solitary penalty kick was awarded for a challenge on Andy Johnson in the remainder of his Everton career – which ended two years later. Wenger claims his player is now the subject of a witch hunt. The same player who once feigned injury to get his compatriot Mikel Arteta sent off, allegedly told a Huddersfield player who asked for his shirt to f*** off, and has been accused of spitting at Hull assistant Brian Horton. Just like Johnson, mud sticks. at the end of their stormy FA Cup quarter-final in March 2009 - of which he was subsequently cleared by the FA - and had used his programme notes for the Everton match to clear up a Twitter row with Huddersfield’s Anthony Pilkington over the swapping of shirts after their FA Cup fourth-round win on Sunday. Wenger is in no doubt his captain is being singled out. Asked by Press Association Sport if he thought there was a witch hunt against Fabregas, the Arsenal manager replied: "Yes. "We are long enough in the job to know that somebody picks on you for a while, and you are in the heat of the moment." Wenger rebuked the Everton boss for ever bringing the situation into the public domain. "I believe that it is wrong for Moyes to come out on what he pretends to have heard in the tunnel," Wenger said. "If I come out with what I have heard in the tunnel is the last 10 years, you would be amazed. "I think there is a rule in our job to never come out with what is said in the heat of the moment. That usually is respected by everybody."

Tim Cahill returns and hopes to get Everton FC off the ropes
by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo Feb 4 2011
TIM CAHILL will be back to help Everton come off the ropes fighting tomorrow. The Blues star has spent the past month in Qatar where Australia’s bid for a first Asian Cup was ended in a cruel extra time defeat by Japan last weekend. During his absence the Blues scored back to back victories over Spurs and Scunthorpe, but then drew three successive games before losing to Arsenal in midweek. But Cahill returned to Merseyside this week – and despite struggling with a thigh injury during the tournament and finishing the final with his leg heavily strapped up – he’s ready to come roaring back off the ropes and against Blackpool treat Goodison to his famous punch perfect goal celebration once again. The noble art is more than just a goal celebration to Cahill. During his time at the Asian Cup he explained how a trip to an East End gym with former Millwall team-mate Dennis Wise once left a big impression on him. “I had a round or two in the ring with Wisey, so did some of the other lads,” Cahill smiled. “Wisey’s influence made me stronger as a player. He’d been there and done it, but he put a lot of time into me, into developing me as a footballer. “That boxing session was fantastic. We got into the ring and we threw some punches, we had a good time. I suppose Wisey can tell you what happened. Not many would want to get in the ring with Wisey, but if he’s got to learn, he’s got to learn from the best.” Cahill has famously introduced some of those moves into his celebrations – although it’s not just shadow boxing a corner flag that he uses to highlight his strikes. During his time in Asia he mimicked using a mobile phone to draw attention to his online appeal to raise funds for the victims of the Queensland floods. “That was about my fifth different goal celebration for charities in Australia,” he explained. “It’s that thought, knowing that when I wake up here there are people dying there. “Also that there are more people missing. They’re closing down suburbs and cities. I’ve played at Suncorp Stadium and it was under water. But what effect can I have as a footballer? In my head . . . I thought that I so want to score against India, to be able to make some gesture. But I’m in my room afterwards I was thinking, ‘Can I do more? How can I, we do more?” Predictably Cahill did score, adding his status as scorer of Australia’s first goal at a World Cup finals in 2006 and scorer of his country’s first at an Asian Cup finals a year later. That was Australia’s first Asian Cup following the decision to depart Oceania, with its troublesome World Cup play-off against South American opposition. The next, in 2015, is in Australia and Cahill, who was 31 last month, is already planning on playing an active part. “Whenever I work with kids, which I’m passionate about, I want them to know that, yes, two World Cups, two Asian Cups, but I’ve done it the hard way,” Cahill said. “I want them to look at me and think, ‘Tim Cahill was an average kid growing up, from a family with nothing, but through hard work, desire and family support he got there’. “My parents worked, we had many houses, we rented a lot and it’s never easy. All the money goes to rent. I’ve brothers and a sister. “For us to play football you need three pairs of boots for a start, soccer jerseys, petrol money; my parents got a loan for me to go on trial at Millwall and other clubs. It’s something I’ll never forget. “Now I’m in a position where, through my actions on the pitch, I can make an impact off it, send a message. I’m very thankful for what I’ve got.” As he wheeled away in trademark style after scoring against India in Australia’s opening match, Cahill not only picked out his family entourage in the crowd – his brother Chris was in a pink No 10 Everton shirt – he sent a message to those affected by the floods in Queensland. “Being there was a privilege,” Cahill said. “It’s a massive compliment to me to be known in Asia because Asia is the way forward in football, along with the Middle East. I believe that strongly. “People keep asking me, ‘How much does it mean to you?’ Well, I left the Premier League when I was in good form, scoring, to come to the Asian Cup. There’s not much more needs to be said. “My commitment to the tournament and to Asia is obvious. “I’ve played in nearly every country in Asia and the people have always taken to me, respected the hours travelling, the effort on the pitch. This competition was massive to me because I see myself playing in Asia some time in the future. After England, definitely.” Evertonians will be hoping that day is some time off yet. Before his departure for Qatar in January Cahill had contributed nine Premier League goals – and despite his month-long absence is still only just outside the Premier League’s top 10 marksmen. His return to the squad will see some much needed firepower added to David Moyes’ options – and perhaps the return of a familiar goalscoring celebration for fans to savour.

My fears over Fellaini and other Everton FC stars - David Moyes
by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo Feb 4 2011
DAVID MOYES will stage a summer summit with chairman Bill Kenwright in a bid to convince the club’s most influential stars that Everton can continue to progress, despite the financial constraints which have curbed spending in the last three transfer windows. The Blues boss, frustrated in the January window, wants to give coveted stars like Marouane Fellaini hope that the club’s transfer inactivity won’t be repeated again this summer. But he admitted he could not deliver those guarantees at present. “It is a problem and something as we go towards the end of the season that I will need to have a chat with the chairman and the board about,” said Moyes. “Marouane is one of the important players for us and we have to keep a strong side together. We have to give them some hope and encouragement over what we are going to do. “It is a discussion I can’t have with the players at the moment, I need to speak to (the club). “You have to show the players around you that you are trying to progress and moving forward. “I have always said that that is one of the key things about the football club, you have to show that you are trying to build and move forward.” Fellaini was Everton’s record signing when the Blues swooped in the dying minutes of the summer transfer window of 2008 to clinch a £15m deal with Standard Liege – and, despite injury, he has justified that outlay with a series of increasingly influential performances. The Belgian has just two years remaining on his contract, but Moyes knows he may need to offer assurances about squad investment as well as improved terms to keep him at Goodison. Rumours that Everton are about to enter administration are wide of the mark, but the latest club accounts which were signed off on Monday and will be circulated to shareholders early next week will not offer any encouragement that player investment is imminent. Moyes added: “Moving forward can be done in different ways. You could decide that you are changing things round and bringing in a lot of young players. “Manchester United in a way are doing that a little bit, bringing in players like Smalling and Hernandez, but I think you have to have a direction and a strategy. “My strategy when I came to Everton was to change the age group around to bring in young players who would give me value on the pitch, give me resale value, the age would change round and it would take time to get that going. “That was the strategy I wanted when I came in and put forward. It is probably still the right way forward for Everton.” The January sale of Steven Pienaar to Tottenham generated £2m and the departures on loan of Yakubu and James Vaughan eased the club’s wage bill, but Moyes admitted he couldn’t find players of comparable quality to those already at the club with the resources available. “We knew what the situation was,” Moyes said. “I did say we would get a couple in on loan. We did try. “But to try and get people on loan who would have been better than those were putting out on the pitch, its not easy. We’ve got a brilliant football club and it just happens this is our situation at the moment.”

David Moyes says Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas accused Everton FC of bribing referee in tunnel row
By David Prentice Feb 4 2011
DAVID MOYES says that Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas accused Everton of bribing match officials on Tuesday night at The Emirates. The Blues boss, who said after his side’s 2-1 defeat that the Spaniard should have been sent off for his comments, was accused by Arsenal counterpart Arsene Wenger of “pretending to hear” what had gone on. But Moyes hit back today: “I know what was said. I was there when it was said. “I think Arsene said there was an unwritten rule that you don’t say things which are in the tunnel. “Well his player was the one who broke the unwritten rule because he questioned Everton Football Club ... that we may be paying officials. “In doing that he also then questioned the officials that they may be, in turn, taking money. “Anybody who works in this country will tell you we’re really strong on it. We support our referees. There are certain words you’re not allowed to say. I’ve got to say Cesc never swore once. He was very calm, very calculated. “It wasn’t a rant or a rave like I’ve heard a lot of people saying. “It was straight to the point and I thought it was out of order and he deserved to be sent off. “But there’s no way I want Cesc Fabregas or Arsenal done by the FA. Not at all. In fact if the FA come after him I’ll say I’m not interested. “If Cesc had been sent off at half-time it would certainly have given us a better chance of winning the game. But the game’s gone now and I can’t do anything about it. “But to question Everton’s integrity, to question David Moyes’ integrity and to actually say that David Moyes didn’t hear it ot see it .... I’ll tell you I saw it and heard it, I was standing there. “It was directed at the fourth official. The fourth official is part of the team, he’s part of the refereeing team. “If I shouted at the fourth official on the side of the pitch, and I have done many times. And I’ve swore at them which I’m not proud of. I’ve shouted at them going up the tunnel, but I wouldn’t have said what he said.”
Everton FC manager David Moyes fears lack of investment may see Marouane Fellaini go
by Ian Doyle, Liverpool Daily Post Feb 4 2011
DAVID MOYES fears Marouane Fellaini may be tempted away from Everton unless there is significant investment in the squad this summer. Fellaini has proven one of Everton’s most consistent performers in recent weeks with the midfielder continuing to justify the £15million spent to bring him from Standard Liege in August 2008. The Belgium international, who was a target of Chelsea last season, will have two years remaining on his Goodison contract in the summer, with Moyes braced for expected interest in the 23-year-old’s services. And the Everton manager will approach chairman Bill Kenwright and the club’s board to warn last month’s transfer inactivity cannot be repeated if he is to keep hold of his best players. “It is a problem and something as we go towards the end of the season that I will need to have a chat with the chairman and the board about,” said Moyes. “Marouane is one of the important players for us and we have to keep a strong side together. We have to give them some hope and encouragement over what we are going to do. “It is a discussion I can’t have with the players at the moment, I need to speak to (the club). “You have to show the players around you that you are trying to progress and moving forward. “I have always said that that is one of the key things about the football club, you have to show that you are trying to build and move forward.” Moyes once again this week aired his frustration at the restraints that meant he could not make any significant moves during the January transfer window, while Steven Pienaar departed and Yakubu and James Vaughan were allowed to leave on loan. While rumours Everton are on the cusp of entering administration are wide of the mark, the imminent publication of the latest set of club accounts is unlikely to offer any encouragement the financial situation will improve any time soon. And of progress in the summer, Moyes added: “Moving forward can be done in different ways. You could decide that you are changing things round and bringing in a lot of young players. “Manchester United in a way are doing that a little bit, bringing in players like Smalling and Hernandez, but I think you have to have a direction and a strategy. “My strategy when I came to Everton was to change the age group around to bring in young players who would give me value on the pitch, give me resale value, the age would change round and it would take time to get that going. “That was the strategy I wanted when I came in and put forward. “ It is probably still the right way forward for Everton.” Although no major signings have been forthcoming in the last three transfer windows, Everton made retaining the core of their squad the priority last summer. But Moyes admits such a containment policy can only work for so long before players become restless at the lack of new arrivals. “I think a lot of clubs were interested in our players in the summer so the strategy was to keep the players here,” said the Goodison manager. “What we need to do in the future is try to add to it and show them that we mean a bit of business really. “We have tried to buy in one or two younger ones and hope to get something out of them. It is still young, but I am aware that the age group is starting to creep up and we have to start looking at the longer term stuff and how we keep bringing that down. “But we hope the likes of Ross Barkley, Jack (Rodwell), Victor (Anichebe), Seamus (Coleman), they need to start to push on. “If you don’t get players in then it gives your current players the space to push on. The other side of all the big spending is that young players get an opportunity here.”
Arsene Wenger slams David Moyes over Cesc Fabregas comments
Liverpool Daily Post Feb 4 2011
ARSENE WENGER is in no doubt Cesc Fabregas has the strength of character to beat what the Arsenal manager believes is a witch hunt against his captain. Fabregas, 23, has once again found himself the centre of attention after Everton manager David Moyes claimed the Spain midfielder made unrepeatable comments to match officials, which should have earned him a red card, as the players went down the tunnel at half-time of their Barclays Premier League clash at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night, when Arsenal trailed to a controversial goal which appeared offside. The Football Association have confirmed referee Lee Mason did not include any such incident in his report, although further speculation of just what the Arsenal captain was reported to have shouted, questioning the integrity of the officials, emerged yesterday. Wenger is in no doubt there is an agenda against his captain - but has backed the World Cup winner to come through as he drives the team on for success in all four competitions. Asked if he thought there was a witch hunt against Fabregas, Wenger said: “Yes. We are long enough in the job to know that somebody picks on you for a while, and you are in the heat of the moment. “But for me what is the most important is the player behaves well. “When Cesc is on the pitch, he tries to play football - I cannot say everybody who plays against him tries to do that. “For example, some people reproach him for not exchanging shirts with a player after the game - but I hope he will not exchange shirts with players who try to kick him for 90 minutes and then come to say ’please can I get your shirt?’ “I think that is a normal and natural reaction. Overall this guy is an example on the football pitch and shows you how to play football.” He added: “People are more demanding, and Cesc has to live with that. “It is not easy, but he is a very intelligent man and he will learn very quickly to cope with that. “Cesc is 24 this year, he has played 250 games in the Premier League - at that age, it is absolutely remarkable. “He has gone through a lot, difficult moments, but has always come out stronger - this guy is a fantastic leader.” The FA now consider the matter closed, although Everton could yet make a formal complaint. Fabregas issued a statement last night, insisting he did not overstep the mark and held the utmost respect for all match officials, adding “many things are said in the heat of the moment”. Wenger rebuked Everton manager Moyes for ever bringing the situation into the public domain. “I believe that it is wrong for Moyes to come out on what he pretends to have heard in the tunnel,” Wenger said. “If I come out with what I have heard in the tunnel is the last 10 years, you would be amazed. “I think there is a rule in our job to never come out with what is said in the heat of the moment. That usually is respected by everybody.” Wenger added: “If Cesc is guilty, he would have been charged. He has not been charged by the FA, there is no action against him so I don’t see why we should spend any more time to defend somebody who is not guilty. “For me the incident is closed.”

Kornilenko the missing piece in Ollie’s jigsaw
By Steve Canavan
Published on Fri Feb 04 (Blackpool Gazette)
SERGEI Kornilenko won’t be involved at Everton tomorrow – but Ian Holloway reckons the Belarus striker could be the missing piece in the Seasiders jigsaw. Holloway believes he has signed a top-notch player, who could make a real difference when he links up with his new team-mates in the next few weeks. Kornilenko, who has joined on-loan from Zenit St Petersburg, hasn’t arrived in England yet, as he’s still finalising his work permit and arranging to bring his family from Belarus to Blackpool. That means he won’t be at Goodison, where Pool will also be without centre-back Craig Cathcart, who has a back problem which could be serious. “I don’t know enough about it yet to fully comment, but he’s out and he could be out for a while,” said Holloway. “We have to wait and see.” Ian Evatt will come in alongside Alex Baptiste. David Vaughan (knee) and Charlie Adam (calf) are also slight doubts, but should be fit. As for Kornilenko, it will be a few weeks before he’s in a tangerine shirt – but Holloway can’t wait. “I’m excited about seeing what he can do,” said the boss. “They have a break in the Russian league and so he is effecitvely in the middle of pre-season training in terms of fitness at the moment. “I have asked him to work with a fitness coach and he thinks it will be at least two weeks before he is fully ready. “But his attitude is really refreshing. He turned down some massive clubs and a lot of money to come here for very little, which suits us, if not him! “He turned down Standard Liege, which is huge. So he’s hungry and I’ll probably have to hold him back if anything. “But he is a hell of a unit, who never stops running and chasing. I don’t think it will be too long before I get him playing for us, and that could be important, because he knows where the back of the net is, and we need some goals. “I’ve even got a translator ready and waiting to help him settle in. The translator will put words from Bristolian into English, and English into Russian. “I’m not joking either. He’ll need it. Bristolian is a different language – he won’t have a clue what I am on about.” First thing’s first though, and at Everton Holloway is determined to end a run of six defeats from the last seven Premier League outings. And after a string of defeats at Bloomfield Road, the manager feels it will help playing away from home. Holloway said: “I think we suit playing away – it is definitely more difficult to play at home in this division. Results are proving that. “Nearly everybody in the Premier League is very good at stopping you when they are away from home, and then counter-attacking, which is what West Ham did the other night. We had 21 shots, they had 11 – but they scored three and we got one. “Our style is definitely counter-attacking and getting forward and having a go. And it helps us that teams expect to beat us at home. Everton will expect to beat us, and that puts pressure on them.”
Everton’s Wizard of Oz raring to go
By Steve Canavan
Fri Feb 04 2011 (Blackpool Gazette)
LET’S get the bad news out of the way early: Tim Cahill is geared up to play his first Everton match in a month, and eager to mark his homecoming with a goal. Like the Seasiders’ full-back David Carney, Cahill spent January competing in the Asian Cup for Australia. He returned at the start of the week, but was left out of the Toffees’ Tuesday night defeat at Arsenal to allow him extra time to recover – and ensure he’s fully raring to go tomorrow. “We are delighted to have Tim back,” admitted boss David Moyes. “We have missed him, not just because of his goals, but what he brings to the team.” The 31-year-old has been a huge part of Everton’s success over the last six years, a shrewd piece of business by Moyes, who signed Cahill on a free transfer from Millwall. He has since become one of the Premier League’s most consistent performers, and notched his 50th top-flight league goal in Everton’s 2-2 draw with Pool in the reverse fixture at Bloomfield Road in November. Top scorer this term with nine goals, tomorrow will be his first game in an Everton shirt since the New Year’s Day defeat at Stoke. That setback was a rarity, for Moyes’ men don’t lose often. They have been beaten just seven times (as opposed to Blackpool’s 11 defeats), but find themselves in the bottom half of the table, in 14th position, because of too many draws – 12 – more than anyone else in the division. Worryingly for Moyes, his team have won only five games – less than second-bottom Wolves and three fewer than the Seasiders. “We have drawn some games we should have won and drawn some where we have been a bit fortunate,” added the boss. “But getting wins is really important because we have not really had enough of them.” They were unlucky not to add to their points tally at Arsenal though, where Louis Saha gave them an early lead before the Gunners hit back. “We were up against a side that is pushing for the league, and my players played well,” Moyes said. “I’ve always said I think we’re a good team as well, and I think we showed that on the night. I thought the lads did a sterling job, but we gave it away by our defending at a set-piece. “We have got nobody else to blame but ourselves, but apart from that we did a really good job.” Saha’s goal was only his fifth of a patchy season. But it was his second in a row after notching at Chelsea in the FA Cup in the previous game, and Moyes finds that encouraging. “Goals change centre-forwards. If they get some goals it makes them look better and everything they do feels much better,” said the boss. “Louis scored a lot of goals at the start of last season. Let’s hope he can score a lot of goals in the second half of this campaign. “He is playing with a lot more confidence and belief, which goals give you as a centre-forward.” Saha and Cahill are bound to be in tandem up front tomorrow – Pool have been warned. Phil Neville, 34, is the backbone of his team, with more than 220 appearances since joining in 2005. Seamus Coleman will start after becoming a regular since his loan stint at Bloomfield Road at the end of last season. The Irishman is a popular figure with Pool fans – helping the club win promotion, and refusing to celebrate after scoring against the Seasiders earlier in the campaign. Moyes should have Tony Hibbert back after fitness, while striker Victor Anichebe is fit again after a groin injury, but might have to settle for a place on the bench.

Blackpool boss Ian Holloway can’t wait to get to Goodison Park to take on Everton FC
Liverpool Echo Feb 5 2011
IAN HOLLOWAY hopes a change of scenery can inspire a change in fortunes for his Blackpool side as they look to end a run of four successive defeats. The Seasiders have been the surprise story of the Premier League this season and are still reasonably comfortably positioned in 13th place in the table, four points above the relegation zone, despite their recent struggles. Promoted clubs usually rely on their home form to keep them out of trouble but Blackpool are the only team in the division whose away record is better than their home performance. So Holloway cannot wait to swap Bloomfield Road for Everton’s Goodison Park today. He said: “It’s definitely more difficult to play at home in this division, for us anyway, and the results have proven that. Nearly everybody in the Premier League is very good at blocking you away from home and then counter-attacking. “Our style is counter-attacking, getting forward and having a go. “I think people’s home expectations against Blackpool puts pressure on their team to attack us and that will leave space for us. We’re just finding it a little bit difficult at home at the moment.”
Barry Horne: Kenny Dalglish has restored Liverpool’s image
by Barry Horne, Liverpool Echo Feb 5 2011
l ONE club I think had a good transfer window is Livrpool. Aside from the argument about how much players were sold and bought for, their fans must be happy with the potential look of the team in the coming weeks. More impressive for me however is the way Kenny Dalglish has subtly yet significantly restored the image of the club and the optimism of the supporters with his obvious loyalty and love for the place. His press conferences have been magnificent. Dalglish promised things would be done as they used to be at Anfield under his stewardship. Just compare how Liverpool handled departure of Fernando Torres with the way Newcastle handled Andy Carroll leaving. I mention this because I’ve received many letters from Reds fans who have taken exception to my general observations. I wonder how many of those fans would have the previous incumbents of the Anfield hot-seat back now?

ROYAL BLUE: What does Dr Who and Dixie Dean have in common?
by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo Feb 5 2011
WHAT does Dr Who, a Coronation St legend, Britain’s first black Lord Mayor and the greatest goalscorer of all time have in common? The answer is – they are among 22 people to have been chosen as a Liverpool Great. A roll call of the city’s famous and not so famous sons and daughters are to form an iconic on-street art gallery from next week. And in amongst the city’s greats is the legendary William Ralph Dean. Merseyside’s artists will transform William Brown Street and Whitechapel into a pantheon of legends with a unique trail of original art adorning lamp-posts in the heart of the city centre, acting as a tantalising taster of the forthcoming Liverpool Discovers public art event on February 14. The great ‘Liverpool 22’ are: John Archer, Jean Alexander, Tom Baker, Cilla Black, Bessie Braddock, Melanie C, John Conteh, Seth Davey, Dixie Dean, Ken Dodd, Arthur Dooley, Frank Hornby, John Lennon, George Melly, Eleanor Rathbone, Bill Shankly, William Roscoe, Beth Tweddle, Willy Russell, George Stubbs, Kitty Wilkinson and Liverpool flower seller of 60 years, Lizzie Christian. The list of people chosen as greats has been devised to give a snapshot of the city’s diverse culture and history, rather than just its most famous names.

ROYAL BLUE: Dixie Dean statue on the move
by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
Feb 5 2011
VISITORS to Goodison Park today will notice that the iconic Dixie Dean statue is on the move.
For the next few months the imposing bronze sculpture will stand just outside the Stanley Park End entrance, yards from the goal where the great man nodded his record breaking 60th league goal 83 years ago. It will remain there until the retail redevelopment on the site of the old Goodison marquee is completed, when it will be resituated to a permanent site. A popular pre-match meeting place the Dean statue is also often used as commemorative shrine and flowers can still be placed around its current site.

Barry Horne: Defensive strength key to defeating Blackpool
by Barry Horne, Liverpool Echo Feb 5 2011
I’VE seen Blackpool play many times this season and I love the way they approach the game. The impressive Charlie Adam is a fitness doubt for today’s game at Goodison but even without him you can guarantee they will be positive. Ian Holloway has instilled great confidence in his players and whenever I’ve seen them play they have attacked from start to finish. Everton will need to be considerably more energetic and vigilant defensively than they were against West Ham otherwise it will be a difficult afternoon. Too often this season good performances have been marred by lapses at the back which is frustrating as in recent years defending has been one of the team’s strengths. If Everton get it right at the back they should return to winning ways.

ROYAL BLUE: Everton’s citizens of honour David France and Dave Hickson
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo Feb 5 2011
HONOUR is a quality in short supply in modern football – but not at Goodison Park. Everton are proud to boast not one, but two True Blues who have just been accorded the title ‘Citizen of Honour’ by Liverpool City Council. And the two Davids, Hickson and France, staged an impromptu mutual appreciation society last weekend – appropriately enough in a Goodison lounge bearing the name of another Royal Blue legend, Brian Labone. During their conversation David France even revealed the debt he owed to Dave Hickson, for helping turn him into an honourable citizen! “I’m indebted to Dave Hickson,” he explained. “I struggled to read as a kid. “I couldn’t even to read bubble gum cards, which were the currency of the playground in the late-Fifties. “Born in Widnes, I had never been to a real football match but I could identify the game’s stars. “These cards were the portal to the world of football legends. Therefore I admired Dave Hickson, the first Evertonian to appear on a bubble gum card. “Actually I stopped collecting them after an unfortunate incident involving him. “I recall that I had found a sixpence, which was a lot of money for a seven-year-old and bought a half-dozen bubble gum cards from Bungy Parr’s tuck shop opposite Simms Cross Junior School, in the hope of snagging the elusive card featuring the Everton No 9. “I soon overcame the disappointment of Hickson not appearing in my loot and sauntered home with six sticks of gum in my mouth and, by a sleight-of-hand, the sixpence in my pocket. “My mother frog-marched me back to the shop to return the coin and the cards and, most important, to apologise to the shopkeeper. “Yes, Dave Hickson helped to make an honest man of me! “After the dust settled, I eventually saw Dave in action. It was my first visit to Goodison, a night game against the Busby Babes. He stood out among the visiting icons on the pitch. It could have been his halo or simply his magnificent head of hair. For the record, I would like to add that he is one of the nicest people I have ever met. A genuine gentleman.” That respect was reciprocated. Hickson is still a hugely popular figure at Goodison where he works on matchdays and regularly bumps into the other honourable David. “You only have to spend a minute in his company to know that David France is Everton mad,” said Hickson. “It’s a condition that he is very proud of! During the past decade, he was the man behind Gwladys Street’s Hall of Fame – the first of its kind in the United Kingdom; the Everton Former Players’ Foundation – the first of its kind in the world; and of course the world-famous Everton Collection. “ I wrote the foreword to his first Everton book. Since then he has written 15 or 16 others, donating the proceeds to local charities including the Everton Former Players Foundation. I’m indebted to him for bringing the Everton family together. Thanks to David, I met so many old friends at his famous events at the Adelphi. But most of all, he was the first person to recognise the chronic medical needs of former-footballers and to do something about it. I have the utmost respect for him.” Chairman Bill Kenwright agreed: “On behalf of all Evertonians, I would like to express our collective pride at both Dave and David,” he said. “Dave Hickson was my hero who would break his own bones for any team he played for but would die for Everton. ‘And even though he never donned a royal blue jersey, David France is as important as those who did. He is proof that kindness still exists in the game. The results of his Everton initiatives have spread from Merseyside to Europe and many of the other leading European clubs have copied his ideas and initiatives.”

Barry Horne: Lack of new signings at Everton is a major concern
by Barry Horne, Liverpool Echo Feb 5 2011
AS the dust settles on the latest transfer window activity, Everton fans are once again left disappointed by the month’s wheeling and dealing. I was at Ewood Park on Wednesday when Tottenham had just enough quality to beat Blackburn. Spurs were without eight top quality players but were still able to field a team which included England internationals Jermain Defoe, Aaron Lennon and Peter Crouch as well as my man of the match Rafael Van der Vaart. They also had the likes of Niko Kranjcar and Roman Pavlyuchenko on the bench. Spurs were one of the teams Everton were hoping to be competing with for a Champions League spot this season. Yet the gulf in resources between the clubs highlights what David Moyes is up against. Moyes’ stoicism is becoming legendary and was highlighted in his TV interview on deadline day when just about every answer regarding the club’s transfer activity was met with a simple ‘no’. It would have been funny but it was in fact a brutally honest assessment of the current plight of Everton. It’s a fact that Everton have raised more from sales than they have spent in the last five transfer windows. Despite this we were all convinced at the start of the season that the squad was the strongest we’ve had for many years and capable of continuing our recent impressive record of European qualification. That squad was the result of Moyes’ excellent management, his knack of identifying talent and negotiating skills. While these things are still in place there’s no doubt we’re in grave danger of losing ground, not only on clubs we expected to be our main rivals but also clubs like Bolton. Owen Coyle brought in two fantastic players in January with Daniel Sturridge and David Wheater. Sturridge, who marked his Bolton debut with a well taken goal, would have been perfect for Everton. I assume Moyes explored all possible options about bringing players like him to Goodison. As an Evertonian, I’d like to think a player would pick Everton over Bolton. Fans are understandably agitated and it’s becoming worrying even for someone like myself who tries to view everything Bill Kenwright and Moyes do in the best possible light. Each time you don’t add to the squad the likelihood of having to start again from scratch at some point, like Moyes had to do when he arrived at Goodison, increases. That process is of course accelerated when you start losing your more coveted assets. Very quickly you can get sucked into a downward spiral.
David Moyes explains his reasons why he considered dropping club captain Phil Neville
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo Feb 5 2011
PHIL NEVILLE will be one of the first names on David Moyes’ teamsheet today. But this week, for possibly the first time since he arrived at the club, the Blues boss considered sending an Everton team out without their leader and organisational lynchpin. The decision had nothing to do with Neville’s recent performances, but more to do with the mental distraction of Tottenham Hotspur’s very public pursuit of the player. And Moyes admitted he worried about how Neville would handle the situation at Arsenal on Tuesday, less than 24 hours after the window closed. “I had a little bit of a worry about him,” said Moyes. “Obviously it was around and I had a decision to make. “I considered not playing him. He actually got a bit of cramp in the game and I think it had something to do with the energy he used up in the day or two leading up to the game thinking about it. But I thought he played great and he captained the side like it was his first game. “He was terrific.” So if Neville is one of the first names on Moyes’ teamsheet today, there’s every chance that Tim Cahill won’t be far behind. After almost a month in Qatar representing his country at the Asia Cup, Everton’s Australian talisman is back and raring to go again. And this time Moyes has no reservations about pitching him straight back in. “I looked at the other Australian players who played in midweek and I thought they were ready to go back in,” explained Moyes. “The boy at Bolton, the boy at Blackpool, Mark Schwarzer played for Fulham, so why not? “He’s taken a few knocks but Tim does that, he carries a few knocks quite a lot. I’ve not been told of any serious injury that’s for sure. “He’s a big player for us and getting him back is really important.” Almost as important as the clash with Ian Holloway’s once vibrant, but now sliding side. The Tangerines have lost six of their last seven games after an enterprising and energised start to Premier League life. But with Everton only three points ahead of third bottom West Ham, a win is vital. “It’s very important,” added Moyes. “But there’s no underestimating Blackpool in any way. They’re having a great season and we have to try and make sure we’re at our best.“We’re in that position now. We’re not kidding ourselves that we’re not. We don’t need to lose or draw any more games to tell us that we’re in a difficult position. “But I think we’re playing well enough to get ourselves away from it.“I don’t think any Premier League team or manager would take any team lightly, but I think Blackpool’s style has been the thing that’s caught most people out. “Most people probably thought they would come into the league and see if they could hold on and maybe pick up the odd win here and there. But they’ve come in with not just an attacking formation, they sometimes attack with seven or eight players which is almost unheard of – it’s more than Barcelona at times – so they have developed a style that’s probably caught a few teams on the hop. “It’s been terrific. All of the opposition have got chances against Blackpool, but Blackpool have also got chances against you so you have to defend well against them but also try to be clinical. “Yes, they’ve lost six in seven, but they’ve also had a lot of games that could have gone either way. It’s not as if they’ve been getting beat by three or four.” With Tim Cahill back in the fold Moyes has almost a full complement of players to select from, and after Phil Jagielka’s introduction from the subs bench on Tuesday must decide whether to stick with Johnny Heitinga at the back or restore the England international for his first start since scoring a freak own goal at Stoke City on New Year’s Day.

Walk away? No chance, says Everton FC manager David Moyes
by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo Feb 5 2011
DAVID MOYES insists there’s “not a chance” of him walking away from Everton – despite another week of internet fuelled rumours that claimed he’d had enough of working within the club’s suffocating financial constraints. And the Blues boss declared that his Scottish fighting spirit was helping drive him on to find a solution to the club’s problems. One leading bookies slashed the odds on Moyes quitting on Wednesday from 16/1 to 3/1 after another spate of rumours, but the Blues boss described the stories as “complete nonsense”. “Maybe the rumours start because I’ve been here that long,” he declared. “Maybe people think that’s what you do when you’ve been at a club that long. “But I don’t feel that way. Obviously you all know that I would like us to keep progressing and moving on. That’s big for me and really important for me. “But the rumours are complete nonsense. “I don’t know where they’ve come from. “I don’t do the internet so I only hear about them when you people tell me. “But genuinely I can tell you there’s not a chance. “I’m driven because I want to succeed. Maybe a little bit of it is where I come from. When you’re out against the wall you have to find a way of fighting back. “You try and fight back with what you’ve got and we’ll try and do that tomorrow. “I’m too big a football man (to walk away). Folks see me at games and I’m at games because I’m a football supporter as well. I like watching football. It’s a hobby as well as a job. “Maybe some day I’ll say it, but that day’s not now. “I hope the solution to what we need to do is not too far away. I hope that. There’s no guarantee but I hope we can find solutions because we’ve done terrific.” The lack of activity in recent transfer windows and the disappointing results so far this season have led to a growing air of unrest amongst some Blues fans. But Moyes believes there is still room for optimism at the club. “There’s no doubting how well Everton have done,” he added. “We’ve got a good team, we’ll have a strong bench tomorrow and I have to get them going well, doing better. “I look at it and think what manager wouldn’t want the squad of players Everton have got? “We’ve got really, really good players. I said at the start that I just think we’ve missed someone up front. That’s where we’ve been disappointing. “The club’s come on, it’s stabilised, and if you work it out on the league position to wages table we have over achieved. We’ve been up there achieving right at that level, but this season we haven’t. “With the players we’ve got we should be doing better. “I have to do much better as a manager with the players I’ve got. I’ve got a job to make sure this isn’t something that gets us down and affects the players. I have to look at the players and look at everything I do to see if I can make it better. “You tell me any manager who isn’t affected on a Saturday night when they lose, but what do you do? You get on with it the next day and you try and find a solution and do whatever you have to do. “And if you don’t get players in...well there’s plenty of clubs who don’t get players in and a lot of clubs buy players and they don’t work. “So because you buy doesn’t always mean that’s going to be the answer.”
David Moyes: Why I won't leave Everton FC
By Ian Doyle Feb 5 2011
DAVID MOYES has explained why he won’t walk away from Everton after dismissing the latest round of rumours he is ready to quit. A failure to attract any new signings during the transfer window led to heavy speculation the Goodison manager was poised to resign after Tuesday night’s 2-1 Premier League defeat at Arsenal. Some bookmakers had at one stage cut the odds of Moyes leaving from 16/1 down to 3/1, such was the strength of gossip surrounding the Scot’s future. Moyes, though, will be in the dugout once against at Goodison this afternoon when his team entertain Blackpool in a pivotal encounter. And the Scot remains as determined as ever to drag Everton back towards English football’s elite. "No-one has come close to dragging me away," he said. "I am driven to succeed and from where I come from, if you are put against the wall then you have to find a way of fighting back. "In a way it pushes you a little bit, you try and fight back with what you have got and we will try and do that against Blackpool. "You can’t stand still but that doesn’t always mean you spend billions to make it happen. If that’s the case you going to have two or three clubs who can do that and no-one else." Of the constant rumours over his future, Moyes added: "Maybe it’s because I have been here that long and people feel that’s what you do. I don’t feel that way, obviously. "Everyone knows I would like to keep progressing and keep pushing on, that is big for me and really important for me. But the rumours are complete nonsense. "I don’t know where they are coming from. I don’t do the internet. There is not a chance of it. "I also have a job to make sure things can’t get us down and it doesn’t affect the players. So my job as well is to make sure I am the one who is out and showing. "I think we have good players and we ought to be doing better, but I have to perform better as a manager, I need to look and see if I can do better than what I am doing, I need to look at the players and look at everything I do to make it better. "Plenty of clubs don’t get players in and it works and a lot of clubs buy players and it doesn’t work. Just because you buy doesn’t always mean that is going to give you the answer. We will need to wait and see." Moyes admits he has not considered leaving Everton at any point during his tenure, which celebrates its ninth anniversary next month, and remains intent on discovering the cure to his team’s recent ills. "I am too big a football man (to walk away)," he said. "Folks see me at games and I am at games because I am a football supporter as well. I like watching football, it is a hobby as well as a job. "Maybe someday I will think about things but that day is not now and I really think with the squad we’ve got that I should be doing better. "I would hope that a solution to what we need to do is not too far away, I can’t guarantee it, but I would hope that’s the case. Because we have done terrific. "There is no doubting what Everton have done, we have come on we have stabilised, we have finished in the top 10 a lot. "We have tended to be overachieving and right up at the level, but this year we have not, we should be doing better."

David Moyes enthused by plotting Everton FC improvement
By Ian Doyle Feb 5 2011
THERE is a joke doing the rounds that Cesc Fabregas can’t be following the news too closely if he thinks Everton have enough money to consider paying off referees. The financial concerns surrounding the Goodison outfit were brought into sharp focus earlier this week when the transfer deadline passed without any significant new arrivals. A subsequent 2-1 defeat at Arsenal, despite the fillip of Louis Saha’s controversial first-half opener that so irked Fabregas, prompted a further gnashing of teeth among supporters concerned at the perceived lack of ambition by the club’s board. The full extent of Everton’s predicament will be revealed next week when the latest set of accounts is published. In the meantime, however, David Moyes’s men host Blackpool this afternoon with midweek results leaving them just three points clear of the Premier League drop zone. While having lost four of their last 19 top-flight games - two of which were against Arsenal - 10 draws in that period have prevented Everton from challenging towards the top of the table. With 10 points covering the bottom 11 teams, there remains plenty of scope for the Goodison side to rise up the standings with a strong end to the campaign. And Moyes admits: "With the players I have got I should be doing a lot better than I am at the moment, we have a good team and we will have a strong bench against Blackpool and as the manager I need to be doing better and get them going. "I look at it and think what manager wouldn’t love the squad of players Everton have got. They are really good players, a good squad. "We have missed someone up front, but I thought we could challenge for the top four at the start of the season and that is the disappointment that we have not done that. "I still thought we would have a good chance, but I just didn’t know whether without a top striker it would be too big a gap. That’s proved to be the case. "We are not in a great position but two or three wins on the bounce changes your whole outlook." Indeed, the tight nature of the league means victory this afternoon could even elevate 15th-placed Everton back into the top half of the table. But Moyes is under no illusions concerning the task in hand. "This game is very important," he says. "There’s no underestimating them in any way. They’re having a great season and we have to try and make sure we’re at our best. "Do we need points to avoid getting sucked into the relegation fight? We’re in that position now. We’re not kidding ourselves that we’re not. "We don’t need to lose or draw any more games to tell us that we’re in a difficult position. But I think we’re playing well enough to get ourselves away from it." Blackpool have been the surprise of the season, with Ian Holloway’s men having done the double over Liverpool, won at Newcastle United and battled to a 2-2 draw with Everton at Bloomfield Road in November. However, there have been signs the bubble has burst for the Seasiders with six defeats in their last seven games, the most recent of which was a 3-1 home reverse to West Ham United on Wednesday. Blackpool may be without talismanic skipper Charlie Adam this afternoon, but Moyes says: "I don’t think any Premier League team or manager would take any team lightly. "I think Blackpool’s style has been the thing that’s caught most people out. "Most people probably thought they would come into the league and see if they could hold on and maybe pick up the odd win here and there. "But they’ve come in with not just an attacking formation, they sometimes attack with seven or eight players which is almost unheard of – it’s more than Barcelona at times - so they have developed a style that’s probably caught a few teams on the hop. "It’s been terrific. All of the opposition have got chances against Blackpool but Blackpool have also got chances against you so you have to defend well against them but also try to be clinical." While earning plaudits for their style, Everton’s eye-pleasing approach hasn’t reaped the desired rewards this season leading to calls for Moyes’s men to go back to basics. And the manager says: "It’s a great thing if people are telling us that we need to become more direct. That says a lot about how far we’ve come. "I thought at the start of the season that the football we were playing was very good, maybe too good, but without the finish. "We have to try and find the right balance. I don’t think we have what you’d call a target man but we are trying to play to the players strengths." Tim Cahill returns today having missed the last month on Asian Cup duty with Australia, and is expected to partner the in-form Saha up front. Moyes must decide whether to recall Phil Jagielka from the bench in place of John Heitinga at centre-back, and admits concerns over the number of goals Everton have conceded with just one clean sheet in 16 games. "Against Arsenal, it was to do with the goal we conceded late on after a bit of a mix-up," he says. "That was disappointing and we have to do better but it was always going to be a hard game going to Arsenal anyway. "So we have to make sure we tighten up but also keep trying to score the goals. But I think the players are looking as if they are playing well and there are signs that they are playing as well as some of the top teams in the league. "Their performances have been as good as anyone but the results haven’t and as the manager I have to get the results better."

Everton FC 5 Blackpool 3 - Louis Saha fires four-goal salvo
Feb 5 2011
LOUIS SAHA fired four goals - and was denied a fifth by a poor piece of refereeing as Everton came from behind to win a rip-roaring encounter at Goodison Park today. Saha had fired the Blues into a first half lead and after Evatt equalised, celebrated a second goal only for referee Kevin Friend to pull back play and award Everton a free-kick outside the penalty area. After restoring Everton's lead 90 seconds after the break Saha suddenly found himself on the trailing side after quickfire breakaway goals from Jason Puncheon and Charlie Adam, but the Blues came roaring back. Saha completed his hat-trick with a close range header, substitute Beckford fired Everton ahead and then Saha sprinted half the length of the pitch to rap in the fifth on an astonishing afternoon. Earlier in the day former Everton striker Jamies Beattie, scorer of 15 goals in his 86 appearances for the Blues, had received some warm applause as his name was read out on his Blackpool debut. But the bigger surprises were in the Blues line-up, where David Moyes resisted the temptation to recall either Tim Cahill or Phil Jagielka and sent out the same starting XI which lost in midweek at Arsenal. Blackpool simply did what they have done all season, taking the game to the visitors with a bold 4-3-3 system, but while Everton threatened to take advantage of the holes that adventurous formation left, they troubled goalkeeper Paul Rachubka only once in the opening 15 minutes. That was a rising drive by Johnny Heitinga which the keeper parried comfortably enough, while a series of free-kicks succeeded only in hurting the Blackpool defensive wall each time.in the 18th minute Fellaini swivelled sweetly after chesting down a long throw into the Blackpool box and curved a left footed drive narrowly over, But the goal Everton threatened came a minute later, and while Louis Saha was once again the marksman, Diniyar Bilyaletdinov deserved most of the credit for its creation. Collecting the ball from Rodwell out wide he turned old-fashioned left winger, dribbling daintily beyond two Blackpool players before pulling an inviting cross back for Saha to smash into the net from 10 yards. A minute later Rodwell miscued an awkward effort over the bar, and Everton were made to pay when Blackpool levelled in the 37th minute. As has happened so many times before this season the goal came from a Charlie Adam set piece. Booed by the Goodison fans for wanting to join Liverpool on deadline day, his low corner was met at the near post by Ian Evatt who volleyed the ball against the inside of the post. The ball span across the line and looked like it had crossed before Baines cleared, but regardless Alex Baptiste knocked in the clearance to make absolutely sure. There was major controversy a minute later, however, when Louis Saha thought he had restored Everton's lead. Beneficiary of a piece of refereeing leniency in midweek, this time he suffered from a match official reacting too quickly. When Seamus Coleman tried to race past Carney he was impeded by the Blackpool defender, but still managed to cross for Saha who knocked a sweet shot on the turn past Rachubka. But while Everton celebrated referee Kevin Friend pulled back play for a free-kick outside the box. Everton were furious and to compound their anger Baines blazed the free-kick high over the bar. The time elapsed from Coleman being fouled to Saha scoring was barely a second, but Friend's inability to look for an advantage cost Everton dear. If Everton were hurting, it took them just 90 seconds after the restart to banish the anger with a brilliantly created and executed goal. And it was Louis Saha yet again who finished the move. Jack Rodwell opened up the Blackpool defence with a beautifully measured pass to send Baines scampering clear down the left and his first time cross was met by the inrushing Saha to bury. Everton should have doubled their lead moments later but Bilyaletdinov's fierce left-footed drive from 12 yards was beaten out by Rachubka, then Baines tried his luck with his right foot from the edge of the box but hooked his effort wide. Everton continued to carve open chances and in the 58th minute Rodwell was the latest to go close. Arteta took a quick free kick to Neville who slid a sharp pass into the box which Rodwell reacted quickest too. He poked the ball around one defender then poked the ball past Rachubka, but sadly for the Blues also a foot wide of the post. Yet again Everton paid dearly for their wastefulness with some dreadful defending in the 61st minute. Heitinga lost out with a weak tackle on Elliot Grandin who carried the ball forward, slipped it to Beattie and he crossed for Jason Puncheon to slam in. Worse was to follow. From an Everton throw-in near the Blackpool corner flag the visitors broke in numbers to give DJ Campbell a shooting opportunity on the edge of the box. Howard tipped his effort onto the crossbar but the ball fell kindly for Adam to head into the empty net. It looked like being one of those afternoons for the Blues, especially when Rachubka tried to clear the ball on the edge of his area and was dispossessed by Rodwell. The young midfielder chipped the ball towards the unguarded net but Evatt made an acrobatic goalline clearance to end up tangled in the net himself. Everton were creating chances but missing them, so with 21 minutes remaining David Moyes introduced a pair of marksmen from the bench, Tim Cahill and Jermaine Beckford. Everton bombared the Blackpool goal and with 15 minutes remaining Saha completed a well deserved hat-trick. After another shot had been deflected behind for a corner Arteta drove the ball over and it squeezed between a posse of players and fell for Saha at the far post who nodded in the simplest of his treble. It had been a rip roaring second half and with 11 minutes remaining Everton restored their lead through Jermaine Beckford. Leighton Baines dinked a ball forward over the retreating Blackpool rearguard and Beckford raced in to volley a neat finish in front of a rapturous Gwladys Street End. There was even better to come for the Blues. With Blackpool committing numbers forward the Blues frantically charged down a shot in their own penalty area to launch a stunning counter attack. Fellaini played the ball for Saha to race from the halfway line and despite having a defender breathing down his neck throughout a 60-yard dash he maintained his composure to stay half-a-yard ahead of his pursuer and plant the ball past Rachubka.
EVERTON (4-5-1): Howard, Neville, Heitinga, Distin, Baines, Coleman, Rodwell (Beckford 69), Arteta, Fellaini, Bilyaletdinov (Cahill 69), Saha (Jagielka 86). Unused subs: Mucha, Hibbert, Osman, Anichebe.
BLACKPOOL (4-3-3): Rachubka, Eardley, Baptiste, Evatt, Carney; Vaughan, Grandin, Puncheon (Edwards 74), Adam, Beattie (Harewood 80), Campbell (Southern 74). Unused subs: Kingson, Varney, Phillips, Reid.
Referee: Kevin Friend.
Attendance: 38,202.
Booking: Adam (49) foul.
GOALS: Saha (19) 1-0, Evatt (37) 1-1, Saha (47) 2-1, Puncheon (61) 2-2, Adam (65) 2-3, Saha (75) 3-3, Beckford (79) 4-3, Saha (83) 5-3.

Everton 5 Blackpool 3 - minute-by-minute
By William Watt
Sat Feb 05 2011 (Blackpool Gazette)
FOUR goals from Louis Saha handed Everton the win on an unbelievable afternoon at Goodison Park.
Blackpool found themselves ahead with only 15 minutes to go after goals from Alex Baptiste, Jason Puncheon and Charlie Adam saw them 3-2 up. However, three goals in ten minutes from the home side left them 5-3 winners.
Follow our minute-by-minute report below.
FULL TIME: EVERTON 5 BLACKPOOL 3
A great game at Goodison Park this afternoon and another case of if only for the Seasiders. Ian Holloway changed tactics when 3-2 up by bringing on Keith Southern and Rob Edwards and sadly things didn’t go to plan. An amazing game, sadly Pool were on the wrong side of the result.
90 mins: Five minutes added time.
87 mins: Blackpool don’t really know what’s hit them here after a whirlwind ten minutes. Ian Holloway made two changes to try and firm things up at the back, and you have to say it’s backfired.
86 mins: GOAL FOR EVERTON
You can’t catch your breath here as a superb counter attack sees Saha score his FOURTH of the game.
80 mins: GOAL FOR EVERTON
Jermaine Beckford gets in behind Alex Baptiste to score from four yards. What an unbelievable game.
77 mins: GOAL FOR EVERTON
Louis Saha heads home at the back post. Corner came in from the left-wing, it wasn’t defended at the near post and the former Manchester United man was totally unmarked to head into the net. What a game.
75 mins: Jason Punchoen and DJ Campbell are replaced by Keith Southern and Rob Edwards. Former Everton trainee Southern getting a decent reception from the home fans.
75 mins: Game is on a knife edge here. Everton throwing men forward at the moment. Pool need to keep it tight.
70 mins: Everton make two substitutions. Tim Cahill and Jermaine Beckford replace Rodwell and Bilyaletdinov.
66 mins: Ball over the top is misjudged by Paul Rachubka before Jack Rodwell chips towards goal only for Ian Evatt to clear off the line in spectacular fashion.
64 mins: GOAL TO BLACKPOOL
UNBELIEVABLE SCENES as Charlie Adam heads home after DJ Campbell rattled the bar from 18-yards. Great play from Puncheon in the build-up. What a turnaround!
62 mins: GOAL TO BLACKPOOL
Jason Puncheon scores at the back post on his debut. A superb move from Blackpool as Elliot Grandin found Beattie who cut the ball back into the path of Puncheon who finished well.
59 mins: Jack Rodwell pokes wide when he really should have scored.
57 mins: Another corner to Blackpool which Grandin takes. Cleared at the near post though. Delivery has to be better.
56 mins: Jason Puncheon shows signs of his potential with a superb run and cross that was well defended by Everton. The winger has been quiet so far.
55 mins: Grandin corner is cleared and David Carney fires well over from 20 yards.
54 mins: Free-kick to Blackpool in a decent position which Adam fires against the wall.

53 mins: One-way traffic at the moment here. Everton have started the second half much better than the Seasiders. Pool need to get hold of the ball here.
50 mins: Charlie Adam is booked for a foul on Arteta. Pool’s skipper is now one yellow card away from a two-match ban.
47 mins: GOAL FOR EVERTON
Louis Saha gets in between Baptiste and Evatt to tap home at the near post after a brilliant cross from Lieghton Baines. Worst possible start to the half for Blackpool.
45 mins: We are back underway here. All the talk at half-time was of the disallowed goal.
HALF-TIME: EVERTON 1 BLACKPOOL 1
Blackpool will be pleased to get in level at the break in a half during which they created very little. Talking point is the referee’s decision to rule-out Saha’s goal. We don’t mind though.
45 mins: One minute time added on.
42 mins: Big spell for Blackpool here as Everton thow the kitchen sink at Blackpool’s back-four. This time David Vaughan has to clear a Bilyaletdinov effort off the line.
39 mins: Huge talking point here as Louis Saha scores from 12-yards, only for the referee to pull play back and award Everton a free-kick at the edge of the box. A poor, poor decision....we’ll take it though.
37 mins: GOAL FOR BLACKPOOL
ALEX BAPTISTE is claiming the goal after Ian Evatt’s shot hit the inside of the post and rolled along the line. The defender reacted quickest after Charlie Adam’s corner was flicked on by Evatt. They’ll have to argue that one between them.
36 mins: Charlie Adam’s free kick slams against the Everton wall, out for a corner.
31 mins: Game seems to have died a bit here. Neither side having a look in on
22 mins: Ian Holloway won’t be happy with his side so far this afternoon. The Seasiders are giving the ball away far too cheaply all over the pitch. Could be a lack of confidence creaping in. Either way, Pool need to retain the ball better.
19 mins: GOAL TO EVERTON
Louis Saha finishes well from seven yards after Bilyaletdinov was given far too much time to cut inside and pick his pass. Have to say the goal had been coming.
18 mins: Marouane Fellaini turns in the box before shooting high and wide for Everton.
17 mins: Another corner to Everton is headed away by Alex Baptiste.
16 mins: Strange atmosphere here today. Home fans are making no noise at all at the moment. Expected more, I have to say.
14 mins: Not seen much of the new boys yet, although James Beattie’s touch has been superb when the ball has been played up to him so far.
11 mins: Game not really got going yet here. Although the last minute or so has seen two Everton corners. The latter headed over by Diniyar Bilyaletdinov.
8 mins: Few of the locals around me are booing Charlie Adam. Clearly wanting to join Liverpool is enough to be disliked in these parts.
3 mins: Good to see Paul Rachubka back in goal for Blackpool this afternoon. Although you have to question why he’s wearing white boots. You’re a goalkeeper Chubs...no need!
2 mins: Early chance for Everton as Leighton Baines sees his free-kick come back off the wall. 2:50pm: Another sold-out following for the Seasiders this afternoon. Fans crammed into the corner here this afternoon, already making plenty of noise. 2:45pm: Goodison Park is what I would describe as a proper football ground. Loads of character, plenty of history and a brilliant atmopshere. Can’t wait to today’s game.
Pre-match:
Blackpool boss Ian Holloway rang the changes in an attempt to prevent a run of six defeats in seven games worsening. Goalkeeper Richard Kingson was the biggest casualty of Wednesday’s loss to West Ham as Paul Rachubka came in for his first league start of the season. New signings James Beattie and Jason Puncheon made their full debuts while Ian Evatt and Elliot Grandin returned. Everton left top scorer Tim Cahill on the bench, the Australia midfielder returned from Asian Cup duty this week but manager David Moyes chose to ease him back into the action after a month away. Moyes, whose side have also struggled of late with just two wins in 14, named the same side that started the midweek defeat at Arsenal.

Everton 5-3 Blackpool: Sunday Mirror match report
Feburaty 6 2011 By Derick Allsop
When you sport a hairstyle as conspicuous as Louis Saha’s, you’ve got to be good. All of a sudden, the unpredictable Frenchman is out of this world. His orange crop – not to mention those orange boots – might have been more appropriate for a Blackpool player. As it was, Ian Holloway’s cavaliers were savaged by the Everton centre-forward in a match of relentless suspense and drama. Saha became the first Everton player since Graeme Sharp, in 1987, to score four goals in a match and was denied membership of the ‘fiver’ club by referee Kevin Friend’s decision to blow up for a foul rather than allow David Moyes’ side to play on in the area. Moyes said: “Louis scored four, could have had five and it wasn’t just his goals. He led the line really well and his overall performance was very good. Louis is the type of player who does need confidence. If you can get him feeling good, you’ll see that. I’ve seen the difference in training. “The referee said sorry for blowing up too quickly when Louis put it in their net but thankfully it didn’t have an affect on the result. You’ll get chances against Blackpool and need to score at least three to beat them.” Blackpool’s fearless style has won them many friends but, of late, too few matches. This was their fifth straight defeat. Holloway said: “Words fail me. To get 3-2 up and then let in three is absolutely devastating. I’m shocked and disheartened for the lads, but I thought they were terrific “We’ve got to dig ourselves out of it. The good news is we’ve got 28 points but if we go on like this can we get what we need? I believe we can and hopefully the players do, too.” Everton exploited Blackpool’s vulnerability with ominous ease. Diniyar Bilyaletdinov combined with Jack Rodwell to dismantle the right side of Blackpool’s defence and set up Saha to sweep past keeper Paul Rachubka. That lead was unthreatened until Charlie Adam scuffed a corner kick from the right and Ian Evatt turned the ball on to the near post and, seemingly, across the line. Alex Baptiste was on hand to make sure. After the break, Everton stepped up a gear and got their rewards when Leighton Baines crossed perfectly for the rampant Saha to score again. But, amazingly, Blackpool turned the match on its head in the 62nd minute. First, John Heitinga lost possession and James Beattie pulled back the ball for Jason Puncheon to equalise. Then, two minutes later, Tim Howard tipped DJ Campbell’s blast on to the bar and Adam lunged forward to head in from the rebound. The cover was nowhere as effective, though, from Mikel Arteta’s corner and Saha completed his hat-trick with a header at the far post. Sub Jermaine Beckford restored Everton’s lead to send Goodison wild and Saha ran half the length of the pitch to register his fourth.

Everton 5 Blackpool 3: Super Saha shines as it rains goals
at Goodison Park By Richard Bott 5th February 2011
Sunday Mail
Everybody forgot about the teeming rain as Louis Saha scored four, had another disallowed and walked off to a tumultuous ovation with four minutes left after Everton had overturned a 3-2 deficit.
The French striker may spend too much time in the treatment room for his manager's liking but he revelled in the deluge at Goodison Park yesterday. His goal blitz took his tally to eight in his last six starts and was a great pick-me-up for an Everton side as much in need of one as Blackpool.
Yellow peril: Everton's French striker Louis Saha Everton manager David Moyes said: 'Louis's performance was as good as you will see. He scored our and should have had five. But it was his all-round performance. 'He led the line, won headers. Sir Alex Ferguson and Jean Tigana, who had him at Manchester United and Fulham, will tell you that he is capable of playing like that when he is fit and confident. 'I have noticed a real spring in his step in training in the last few weeks and he has got his rewards.' The Blackpool fairytale may be gaining a dark edge after a seventh defeat in their last eight Premier League games but do they know how to entertain? On their first visit to Goodison for 40 years, Blackpool gave a first start to American goalkeeper Paul Rachubka and deadline day signings Jason Puncheon and James Beattie. Rachubka was probably shellshocked even before he finished the game with his head gashed and bandaged. Big hit: Blackpool's Jason Puncheon (centre) scores their second goal Blackpool love bombing forward, inevitably leaving themselves exposed at the back. But when they scored twice in as many minutes midway through the second half, coming from 2-1 down to threaten another famous victory, who could fault their style? They were undone by the home side's grandstand finish, although even Moyes said: 'When you play against Blackpool you must expect to score at least three goals to win because, although you know you will get chances, so will they. That is how they play.' Blackpool manager Ian Holloway went with five at the back in the final quarter, hoping to hold back the tide. It did not work. 'Words fail me,' he said, although he is never short of them for long. 'I made changes today because my boys have played too many games in too short a time. The ones who came in did well but, after showing tremendous character again to go in front at 3-2, I was shocked to concede three goals like we did. 'If all our matches ended after 72 minutes we would be doing great but they don't - and now we have to dig ourselves out of the hole we are in and find a clean sheet. 'We had a bit of luck in the first half when Everton should have had a second goal. But the referee blew up for the foul before Saha put the ball in the net.' Blackpool cancelled out Saha's 20th-minute effort after 37 minutes, when Ian Evatt diverted Charlie Adam's corner goalwards and Alex Baptiste followed up after Leighton Baines had tried to hook the ball clear. Then came Saha's disallowed effort, to Holloway's relief.
'That decision gave us a lift at half-time but, when Everton went 2-1 up, I thought we would be knocked over like skittles,' he said. 'Instead, we got 3-2 in front so I am upset for the boys.'
Saha had started the goal blitz after some splendid work on the left by Diniyar Bilyaletdinov and he was convinced he had doubled his tally from Seamus Coleman's pass with the interval approaching.
But referee Kevin Friend had already blown for a foul on Coleman instead of allowing the advantage.
'The referee said sorry for that,' said Moyes. Saha's disappointment only extended until two minutes after half-time, when he converted a slide-rule pass from Baines. Moyes kept Tim Cahill - back from the Asia Cup - on the bench until Blackpool scored twice more through Puncheon, from Beattie's pass, and Adam's diving header after DJ Campbell's shot had been turned against the bar.
But Saha completed his hat-trick after 76 minutes with a far-post header and substitute Jermaine Beckford finished off a Baines cross immaculately four minutes later. Saha wrapped things up when he ran clear from Marouane Fellaini's precise 30-yard pass.
EVERTON (¬4-1-4-1): Howard; Neville, Heitinga, Distin, Baines; Fellaini; Coleman, Arteta, Rodwell (Beckford 70min), Bilyaletdinov (Cahill 70); Saha (Jagielka 86). Subs (not used): Mucha, Hibbert, Osman, Anichebe.
BLACKPOOL (4-4-2): Rachubka; Eardley, Baptiste, Evatt, Carney; Grandin, Vaughan, Adam, Puncheon (Edwards 74); Beattie (Harewood 80), Campbell (Southern 74). Subs (not used): Kingson, Varney, Phillips, Reid.
Booked: Adam.
Referee: K Friend (Leicestershire).

Everton 5 Blackpool 3
06 Feb 2011
Add a comment (9) LOUIS SAHA smashed four goals as Everton edged this eight-goal thriller.
A breathtaking encounter at Goodison Park sparked into life after the break with the scores locked at 1-1. Saha's second took Everton ahead but Blackpool turned the game on its head with two goals in two minutes through Jason Puncheon and Charlie Adam. Saha's treble levelled the scores again before Jermaine Beckford and Saha again killed off the spirited Seasiders. And the French goal-machine said: "It is always a nice feeling when you are scoring goals and winning is the main thing about being a footballer. "I am glad today we got the result we deserved. "I feel very good. The confidence in the camp is really good — it helps you when you get lads who are fully confident."
Toffees boss David Moyes reckons Saha's performance was as good as it gets. The Scot said: "Where do you start with Louis? It was just a top, top performance. "Anybody who has played against him, with him or managed him will tell you he has that ability. "That is why he has been involved with France teams and at World Cups. He has that quality. "He has probably not shown it as often as he can do but today's performance was right up there with the best." Seasiders chief Ian Holloway added: "Words fail me really. The character of the lads was outstanding, that was a tough game." John Heitinga tested Paul Rachubka in the Blackpool goal early on and Diniyar Bilyaletdinov headed over from a Phil Neville cross as Everton started quickly. Marouane Fellaini saw an effort deflected away from goal before the home side grabbed a deserved opener on 20 minutes. Bilyaletdinov, making his third successive start, weaved his way into the area and picked out Saha in front of goal.
The in-form Frenchman made no mistake as he confidently swept home his fifth goal in his last six games from seven yards. It was more than half an hour before Blackpool got a serious sight at goal but captain Charlie Adam shot well wide from 30 yards. Adam got another chance after Sylvain Distin was caught out by an awkward bounce and handled on the edge of the area. Adam's free-kick was blocked but the ball ran out for the corner which led to the 37th-minute equaliser. Liverpool target Adam picked Evatt at the near post, and his shot appeared to cross the line after striking the woodwork, but Alex Baptiste made certain. Everton thought they had reclaimed the lead two minutes later when Saha touched the ball past Rachubka from a Seamus Coleman pass. However, referee Kevin Friend had already blown his whistle for a foul on Coleman just outside the area - much to the home players' fury as they wanted a play-on decision. Everton and Saha removed any sense of injustice within two minutes of the restart as the former Manchester United striker finished off a slick move to restore the lead. Jack Rodwell fed Leighton Baines down the left and the full-back found Saha with a perfect ball into the area which was turned in at the near post with a first-time shot. Baines almost added another goal soon after with a low drive from the edge of the area which he just dragged wide. Rodwell looked certain to score after a brilliant touch took him past Alex Baptiste in the area but he flicked his shot across goal. Everton paid for those misses as Blackpool turned the game on its head with two goals in the space of three minutes. The second equaliser came in the 61st minute after Heitinga lost the ball to Elliott Grandin 30 yards out. Grandin quickly fed former Everton striker James Beattie down the left and the ball came across for the inrushing Jason Puncheon to sidefoot home. Before Everton had time to recover, Blackpool broke from deep to set up DJ Campbell on the edge of the area. Campbell's shot was deflected onto the bar but Adam followed up to dive forward and head home the rebound. A compelling game almost took another twist when Rodwell caught Rachubka off his line but Ian Evatt got back to make a brilliant acrobatic clearance. Everton got themselves back level 14 minutes from time when Saha completed his hat-trick from a corner when he headed home from close range after a Distin flick-on. The crowd called out for another and substitute Beckford obliged in the 80th minute when he raced on to another superb Baines cross and hit a fine left-foot volley past Rachubka. Given what had gone before, Everton did not want to take any chances and surged forward to put the game beyond doubt with a fifth. And it was Saha who beat Adam in a race to goal to slide in to finally settle the outcome.
Everton: Howard, Neville, Distin, Heitinga, Baines, Coleman, Arteta, Rodwell (Beckford 70), Bilyaletdinov (Cahill 70), Fellaini, Saha (Jagielka 86). Subs not used: Mucha, Hibbert, Osman, Anichebe. Goals: Saha 20, 47, 76, Beckford 80, Saha 84.
Blackpool: Rachubka, Eardley, Evatt, Baptiste, Carney, Puncheon (Edwards 74), Vaughan, Adam, Grandin, Campbell (Southern 74), Beattie (Harewood 80). Subs not used: Kingson, Varney, Phillips, Reid. Booked: Adam. Goals: Baptiste 37, Puncheon 62, Adam 64.
Att: 38,202
Ref: Kevin Friend (Leicestershire).

EVERTON 5 BLACKPOOL 3
6th February 2011 By Gary Carter
EVERTON 5 -- 3 BLACKPOOL
IT WAS hard to tell who was most relieved after Louis Saha settled this classic – Everton boss David Moyes or ref Kevin Friend. The Frenchman struck four times in a breathless encounter that showed the best and worst of the Premier League. But it should have been five. Saha was robbed of a place in the Premier League record books after Friend’s blunder. Saha (left) thought he had made it 2-1 after Seamus Coleman saw off David Carney’s foul, having seemingly being allowed to play on. To the amazement of almost everyone the goal was chalked off for a free-kick to Everton. Luckily for Friend, Everton did win with a sensational comeback after Charlie Adam put Blackpool 3-2 ahead on 64 minutes. And Moyes said: “The referee blew his whistle a little early. He’s sorry and I accept that – but at the time it looked pretty dark!” Saha opened the scoring when Diniyar Bilyaletdinov skinned Neal Eardley and found him unmarked seven yards out. Even Blackpool’s first equaliser was crazy. Everton’s fans brayed when Adam seemingly scuffed a corner, only for Ian Evatt to flick on with the ball going in off the post before Leighton Baines could clear. Then all hell broke loose with Friend’s baffling call. It was 2-1 just after the restart when Saha converted a fine move involving Baines and Jack Rodwell but the fun was just beginning as James Beattie’s cross was converted by Jason Puncheon. Adam headed Blackpool in front before Saha equalised with his own header. Sub Jermaine Beckford swept past Paul Rachubka to send Goodison wild before Saha was allowed to run half the length of the field before slotting in. “Louis should’ve had five,” said Moyes, “but his performance was as good as you’ll see. Most teams that play Blackpool are going to have to score three goals to win. “They’re always a threat but on the other side, you always going to get nine or 10 good opportunities.”

EVERTON 5 BLACKPOOL 3: I WOULDN'T SWAP SAHA FOR ANYONE
7th February 2011 By Kevin Francis
Daily Star
THERE will never be a £50m price tag around his neck – but as far as Everton fans are concerned, Louis Saha is priceless right now. Over the years, the French marksman seems to have spent more time on the treatment table than the pitch. However, he’s currently enjoying the kind of purple patch that had it not been for an injury-ravaged career would surely have been the norm for such a talented striker. His four-goal performance against Blackpool brought his total number of strikes to six in the last eight games for the Merseysiders. And Everton keeper Tim Howard summed up the value of a fully-fit Saha by declaring: “I wouldn’t swap him for another finisher in the Premier League. “That’s why the manager brought him here. When he plays like that, you would put him up there with the best. “And his injuries probably helped Everton to get him from Manchester United. It’s a crazy old world. “He’s up to the level of anyone you name. If he was fit for the whole ­season, you’d be looking at 30 goals from him, or at least something close to that. “That’s why, even when he was struggling with injuries, everyone here stayed optimistic because it’s not just once in
a while with him when he’s on song.” Toffees manager David Moyes, bereft of money to spend during the transfer window, is clearly delighted at the 32-year-old’s return to top form. He said: “You could see in his game against Blackpool why players like Zinedine Zidane and the Manchester United players respected him so much when he played alongside them. “I think he is the sort of player who needs to feel better in himself to be at the top of his game. “There are players who need to feel 100 per cent physically to get out there and he’s probably one of those. “But modern football players can’t be 100 per cent fit all the time because the games come so thick and fast.

“They’re so intense and, with ­players like Louis, that can affect ­confidence, but you can see the ­confidence is ­coming back. “It took a bit of a knock through the period where he wasn’t scoring.
“The goals he is getting now show people why he has been such a fearsome ­striker over the years.” Ironically, Saha should have had FIVE on a ­magnificent day, but he was robbed of that glory by referee Kevin Friend. Saha thought he had made it 2-1 after Seamus Coleman had seen off a ­challenge from David Carney. Everyone thought it was a case of ‘play on’. Everyone that is except the official, who disallowed the goal and awarded a free-kick to Everton. The rookie ref later held his hands up and apologised to Moyes, who said: “He’s sorry and I accept that, but at the time it looked pretty dark.” Thankfully for Everton, Saha’s goals – plus one from Jermaine Beckford – saw off the challenge of a typically ­adventurous Blackpool side. Goals from Alex Baptiste, debut boy Jason Puncheon and Charlie Adam ­ensured that this game was a nail-biter all the way through.
However, at the end of the day, the truth is that Blackpool have now lost seven of their last eight games in a ­tailspin spell that has put their ­Premier League future in real doubt. Manager Ian Holloway has to be ­applauded for his adventurous ­approach, but it’s a game-plan that could eventually backfire. He said: “We need to get points and to get points you need to score goals, like the three we got at Everton. “But we can’t keep letting them in like we have been doing. We have to dig ourselves out and come back. “(Stoke manager) Tony Pulis told me we are playing roulette football – and he might be right – but we don’t know any other way. “We need to get a bit of a cage on our box when we get in front and then we can get some belief.”

Blackpool manager Ian Holloway stakes it all on attack as losses mount following defeat to Everton at Goodison Park
The Telegrapher Feb 7 2011
Their visits to casinos have generally been restricted to eating bacon sandwiches but Blackpool’s players understand that the real gamble would be to change their ways now. Gambler's instinct: Ian Holloway will not give up his attacking principles despite Blackpool's worrying losing streak
Eighteen months after being favourites for relegation to League One, Ian Holloway’s team, who regularly decamped to casinos during the cold snap, are sitting on 28 points in the Premier League because they know what they are and there is simply no other side like them. They became just the third team to score three goals at Goodison Park this season but also joined Huddersfield and Scunthorpe as the only teams to concede five goals to David Moyes’s side. With seven defeats from their past eight Premier League games, the cushion established by their fine start to the campaign has started to ebb away. They now have home games against Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur before travelling to Wolverhampton Wanderers and then hosting Chelsea and Holloway admits he has no idea where their next point or clean sheet is coming from. Another worrying sign is that Blackpool concede about a third of their goals in the final 15 minutes of matches but Holloway maintains the only way to avoid their campaign mirroring that is to continue trying to outshoot the opposition. He said: “The business end of the season was always going to sort the men from the boys and at the moment we are not even boys are we? We are infants. “Tony Pulis told me we are playing roulette football and he might be right but we don’t know any other way. We need to get a bit of a cage on our box when we get in front and then we can get some belief. “We are at a frightening level and I think we have been fantastic but nobody feels that at the minute because we are losing all the time. I wish it had started like this and we’d climbed out of it. If we slide down into it like Burnley and Hull did then it is just awful.” Louis Saha, whose career has been blighted by injury, must be frustrated as much as pleased by the sort of class he showed in this game. He opened the scoring from Diniyar Bilyaletdinov’s cross before Alex Baptiste touched in after Tim Howard pushed Ian Evatt’s shot on to the post. Saha added a second after half-time before Blackpool pulled in front through Jason Puncheon and James Beattie. But Saha equalised, Jermaine Beckford volleyed Everton ahead and Saha broke clear to score his fourth. The Frenchman, 32, has scored eight goals in six games and could have had a fifth on Saturday only for referee Kevin Friend to blow up for an Everton free-kick. Moyes said: “There were bits of this game when I looked at him and thought ‘boy, you, I can see why he has played alongside the likes of Zinedine Zidane’. “There are players who need to feel 100 per cent physically to get out there, and he’s probably one of those. “But in modern-day football players can’t be 100 per cent fit all the time because the games come so thick and fast and they’re so intense, and with players like Louis, that can affect confidence.
“The goals he is getting now show people why he has been such a fearsome striker over the years.”
The only regret for Saha and Everton is that the striker’s impressive run did not come sooner. The Merseysiders have almost certainly left it too late to challenge for a European spot and, while Premier League safety should be a formality, there is a sense of this season being a wasted opportunity. “We know we could do better, we should be higher in the table,” Saha said. “We have got a squad with brilliant players, quality players. “If I played the same way as I did here we would have been in a better situation.”

Everton FC four-goal hero Louis Saha is Premier League’s best finisher, says Tim Howard
by Chris Beesley, Liverpool Daily Post
Feb 7 2011
Louis Saha celebrates scoring against BlackpoolTIM HOWARD has hailed Everton’s four-goal hero Louis Saha as the best finisher he’s played alongside and admitted that when the Frenchman is fit, he wouldn’t swap him for any other striker in the Premier League. Saha had the ball in the Blackpool net five times on Saturday – with his second effort controversially ruled out when referee Kevin Friend failed to play an advantage after a foul on Seamus Coleman but the 32-year-old still managed to register the first hat-trick of his Premier League career. Having failed to register a Premier League goal for 11 months until Everton’s 2-1 win over Tottenham in January, Saha has now netted six times in his last three outings and having inspired his side to a crucial 5-3 win over Blackpool, he looks to be regaining his form of old that prompted Sir Alex Ferguson to splash out £12.8million for him in 2004. Indeed if it wasn’t for the former Newcastle, Fulham and Manchester United man’s long-standing battles with injury, goalkeeper Howard believes he is unrivalled as a marksman.
He said: “Louis is as a good a natural finisher I’ve played with throughout my whole career.
“He terrorises people and he can jump head and shoulders above some of the best defenders in the game. “He’s strong, he’s quick, he gets at you. He’s fun to watch and at the moment he’s hot because he’s fit. If you could keep him fully fit for an entire season you’d be talking something close to a 30-goal striker. “He’s struggled with his fitness in the past that’s why everyone has been optimistic – the players, the fans, the management – because he’s produced that not just once in a while but over the last few games.” It was Saha’s raw power that prompted Ferguson to seal his switch to Old Trafford but having played alongside him both for the Red Devils and the Goodison Park outfit, Howard believes his team-mate is now a better all-round player. He said: “When he came to Manchester United from Fulham he had the power and change of direction, really sharp short touches, a good shot with both feet and an ability to control the ball well but all that’s become more polished playing with better players. “He hits the ball well, he puts pace on it. That’s what I’ve always liked about him, Ruud van Nistelrooy and Paul Scholes. They never really pass the ball in, it’s always rapped in and as a goalkeeper you know you’re going to have to make a good save.” Although injuries finally curtailed Saha’s time at United, prompting his move to Everton, initially on a ‘pay as you play’ basis, Howard believes an on-song Saha is still the best in the business. He said: “Everyone knows what happens when you’ve got a fully-fit Louis Saha, that’s what he gives you. He gets in positions and is a threat and that will help us push up the table. “When he’s fully fit, we wouldn’t swap him for another finisher in the league. “That’s why the manager brought him here, he’s up there. When he plays like that and he’s on-form, you’d put him up there with the best.”

Everton FC 5 Blackpool 3: King Louis the fourth shines in Goodison rain
by Chris Beesley, Liverpool Daily Post
Feb 7 2011
On the day of the Premier League’s goal rush, nobody can be more grateful for the second half scoring frenzy at Goodison Park than referee Kevin Friend. Victory for the hosts – in what was a ‘must-win’ fixture for them given that they’d gone into the game hovering just three points above the relegation zone – ensured that the Leicestershire official’s horrendous decision to chalk off a Louis Saha ‘goal’ just before the interval was ultimately not decisive to the final outcome. It’s a miracle that David Moyes has got any of his red hair left given his side’s frustrations this season – continuously failing to turn on-field supremacy into points – and for a few minutes he and the club’s long-suffering supporters must have feared this was going to be the biggest travesty of all when Charlie Adam put Blackpool in front. Fortunately though for both Evertonians and Mr Friend, Moyes’ men eventually pulled through and in years to come this pulsating game will be remembered for all the right reasons. It had been almost 45 years since ‘The Grand Old Lady’ had witnessed a 5-3 scoreline – Portugal’s quarter-final victory over North Korea in the 1966 World Cup – and like then the winners came from behind to triumph thanks to a four-goal individual haul. And Saha emulated Eusebio’s feat with the first Premier League hat-trick of his career, making the most of the space Ian Holloway’s troops often leave unattended. Even Kevin Keegan’s swashbuckling Newcastle sides of the 1990s would be considered cautious compared to this team who are as bold and bright as their seaside resort home. Thrills, spills and excitement are guaranteed but there are plenty of queasy stomachs on the way and things have a habit of turning messy. Everton dominated this encounter in a similar fashion to the reverse fixture at Bloomfield Road back in October where they nevertheless had to come from behind twice to earn a point. It was therefore no surprise when the hosts took the lead 20 minutes in when great work by Diniyar Bilyatetdinov down the left – exchanging passes with Jack Rodwell before beating Neal Eardley and slaloming past David Vaughan – enabled the Russian to drill a low cross across the box to provide Saha with a simple tap-in for his first of a rain-soaked afternoon. However, like on so many previous occasions this term, Everton allowed their opponents to hit back cheaply as Blackpool centre-back Alex Baptiste bundled home from close range on 37 minutes after an outstretched effort by Ian Evatt from Adam’s right-wing corner-kick had been hacked off the line by Leighton Baines. Everton hit back quickly to net themselves both times that Blackpool had rocked them by scoring at Bloomfield Road and it looked like they’d done so again at Goodison just before the interval when an honest and determined Seamus Coleman stayed on his feet after David Carney had attempted to wrestle him to the ground. The Irishman shrugged off the foul to deliver a delightful ball into the six-yard box which Saha tucked into the net but with his linesman flagging, referee Friend stunned the whole stadium by failing to allow the advantage to be played, blowing his whistle as the ball went into the goal and bringing play back to ‘award’ Everton a free-kick. So much for Moyes’s men’s short-lived rub of the green with officials following Saha’s disputed goal at the Emirates. Given the shoestring budget by Premier League standards that the Scot has had to operate on in recent years, Evertonians will be forgiven a wry smile at supposed outbursts from Arsenal’s captain Cesc Fabregas that they must have paid off a referee. ithin a couple of minutes of the restart, Everton nerves were calmed again as Saha did restore the hosts’ lead, prodding home from another left-wing delivery, this time by Baines. At this point it seemed that Everton were perfectly capable of strolling on to a comfortable victory but things are seldom so straightforward when the Tangerines are involved. The visitors rode their luck again as Bilyaletdinov had a shot saved by Rachubka before Rodwell stabbed wide from inside the box after dribbling around Baptiste. Amazingly the game was turned on its head with two goals for the visitors in as many crazy minutes. John Heitinga’s failure to win a 70-30 challenge with Elliot Grandin enabled former Everton record signing James Beattie – now on loan at Blackpool from Rangers where he has endured a miserable campaign failing to complete 90 minutes or score a goal – to pick out debutant Jason Puncheon at the back post for a simple tap-in. Moments later the Seasiders were staggeringly ahead as Puncheon dispossessed Sylvain Distin to launch a counter attack and Charlie Adam – who was booed throughout because of his desire to join Liverpool before the transfer window shut – fired in a diving header after DJ Campbell had rattled the crossbar.
Such events could have smashed the already fragile confidence of Moyes’s men given their numerous setbacks this term but given just how dominant they had been and the steely determination to see justice done after Friend’s mistake, they set about putting things right.
Rodwell went even closer than earlier to finding the net as his goalbound effort was cleared off the line by Evatt but the young midfielder was soon withdrawn for Jermaine Beckford while Bilyaletdinov made way for Tim Cahill – back from Asia Cup duty having taken Australia to the final before losing 1-0 to Japan. The changes worked and with 14 minutes remaining Everton were back level as Saha completed his hat-trick, heading in from Mikel Arteta’s right-wing corner-kick.
Another home draw was never going to be satisfactory for Everton though and with Blackpool seemingly incapable of shutting up shop, the hosts continued to press forward and retook the lead four minutes later as Baines beat Baptista before curling in a lofted pass from the left which substitute Beckford stabbed past Rachubka. An end-to-end finish was guaranteed and there was more joy to come for the hosts on 84 minutes as Saha, who’d failed to net in the Premier League for 11 months until the 2-1 win over Tottenham in January, grabbed his fourth of the afternoon, racing to meet a pass by Marouane Fellaini to outpace Adam – for all the Blackpool playmaker’s merits, tracking back isn’t one of his strong points – and dink past Rachubka. There probably won’t be any more days like these but having failed to land a new striker in the transfer window, Moyes will be praying a fit ‘King Louis’ can continue to reign supreme in front of goal between now and May to propel his side up the table.

Louis Saha knew Everton FC would beat Blackpool
by Chris Beesley, Liverpool Daily Post
Feb 7 2011
FOUR-GOAL hero Louis Saha insists he always felt Everton would come back to win against Blackpool despite trailing 3-2 midway through the second half. After conceding two goals in as many minutes against Ian Holloway’s side, it looked like David Moyes’s men might be set to relinquish more home points but they fought back to triumph 5-3 with Saha and substitute Jermaine Beckford their saviours. Saha said: “I shouted to the line that we could still come back and win. I felt there was space to get goals. “Beckford came on and did brilliantly and I was really, really pleased how we put them under pressure and scored another three goals this way. “I believe this can be a turning point in regards to our home form. “There were so At one point against Blackpool we may have felt the same – it’s going to end up the same way – but I watched the clock and I said ‘no way, it’s possible.’
“I was very, very confident that we’d come back and get the victory.” Having gone 11 months without scoring in the Premier League before January’s 2-1 win over Tottenham, Saha, who has netted six times in his last three games, is delighted to have found his rhythm again.
He said: “It’s better than two months ago, that’s for sure. “I feel there is confidence throughout all our players right now. “I’m a striker and if everyone is confident I’ll get more chances to score and that’s what happened. “It’s all about being in the right place and when you’ve got players like Bainsey it’s unbelievable. “I go out in every game thinking that I can score but it’s all about confidence when you play at the top level. We’ve got to maintain that pressure and that consistency – that’s my aim. Scoring four goals is nice but it’s better to score four goals in every game – I’m not Messi!” Saha, like the rest of Goodison Park, was stunned when referee Kevin Friend disallowed one of his efforts just before half-time when failing to play an advantage after a foul on Seamus Coleman. He said: “When he did blow I think it was too late, we had to go back to the wrong decision. I was lucky last week against Arsenal but not here.” Everton manager David Moyes admitted that he has been prepared to indulge Saha’s injury problems because of the player’s great talent. He said: “Saha is a natural. In general, that’s why over the years I felt we needed another striker to allow Louis to have those kind of performances and for us not to rely on him. “The has not always been fit that often over the years but when he has been he has had an impact. “There is no doubt that him not scoring goals has had a knock in his confidence. But I feel that the goals he is beginning to get now has got people realising just why he has been so fierce over the years.
“I just think he is the sort of player who needs to feel better in himself and that’s what has been happening.” Moyes added: “He looks as though he is beginning to regain a bit of confidence. When he plays like that it shows that he is as good as anyone around. “In modern day football there are players who can’t be 100% fit all the time because the games come so thick and fast. Louis is one of those players who would like to keep showing people just how good he is. “There were bits of this game when I looked at him and thought ‘boy, you, I can see why he has played alongside the likes of Zidane and the players and Manchester United and why they respected him. Some of the stuff he did against Blackpool was really, really excellent.”

David Moyes hails Louis Saha's solution to Everton's striking travails•
French striker's four goals
Georgina Turner at Goodison Park The Guardian, Monday 7 February 2011 Article history
It never rains but it pours. Two-thirds of the way through a season in which Everton's strikers have struggled at times to convince the manager, David Moyes, even to play them against Premier League opposition, Louis Saha struck four times to end the drought in suitably monsoon conditions on Merseyside. The Frenchman – who would have had five but for a hasty whistle from the referee – matched in one game his total for the whole of 2010. "Folk will tell you the reason we've not scored goals is that we're not playing two centre-forwards," said Moyes, who has more often than not used a lone striker – or no striker at all, leaning instead on Tim Cahill. Against Blackpool, he started with Saha alone but well supported from midfield, and added Jermaine Beckford on 70 minutes. "We did have to change it but I think we made lots of opportunities. We played with a decent bounce. "We've got a good team, it's just that I have struggled to find the right solution. Maybe the team hasn't won often enough because we've not had Saha at the top end of the pitch. His record over the years is that he hasn't been fit that often but when he has been he has had an impact. The goals have got people realising just why he has been so fierce over the years." Saha has now scored seven in his past six games and the manager acknowledged that the striker needs to feel good about himself to play so well. The surge in his confidence – even in the course of this bonkers encounter – was evident. His first goal, after 20 minutes, was laid on by good work from Diniyar Bilyaletdinov, who looks himself to be growing into the left-sided role vacated by Steven Pienaar. Just over an hour later he tucked away his fourth having run half the length of the pitch with Charlie Adam snapping at his heels. In between, he had a sharply taken goal chalked off because the referee (who later apologised) failed to play advantage, turned Leighton Baines's low cross in at the near post and secured the match ball with a header. He did not put an effort off target. "There were bits of this game when I looked at him and thought, 'Boy, you can see why he has played alongside the likes of [Zinedine] Zidane'," Moyes said. It was far from a one-man show, however: assessing the trials to come, what will give Moyes the greatest pleasure is how impressively Everton performed as a team. In addition to Saha, Marouane Fellaini deserves huge credit for his driving influence from the centre. Beckford, who scored what was effectively the winner with a finely taken volley, gave the strongest hint yet of his own goal-scoring prowess. This being Everton, and the opponents being Blackpool, the match was not without its "gee whizz" moment, as Moyes put it. The visitors were fortunate to reach the interval on level terms thanks to Ian Evatt, and conceded the second goal quickly afterwards but rallied, as is their wont, to scare the home crowd with a madcap two minutes in which Jason Puncheon scored a debut goal and Adam's header gave them the lead. Keen to protect the points after suffering four successive defeats, Ian Holloway made two defensive substitutions for the final 15 minutes. His side conceded three more. "Whatever ticket we buy it is not going to win the raffle at the minute," he said. "People will say we should change our philosophy, but I bloody well tried. Tony Pulis told me we are playing roulette football and he might be right but we don't know any other way. Some of our stuff going forward was brilliant and we hurt them; I don't play a defensive side because we might lose by eight."

Everton FC's Louis Saha delighted after four-goal heroics against Blackpool
Liverpool Echo
Feb 7 2011
LOUIS SAHA celebrated his first senior hat-trick in 11 years on Saturday night – with a single drink!
The 32-year-old has scored 140 goals in English football at Newcastle, Fulham, Manchester United and now Everton – but had never celebrated a hat-trick until Saturday’s sparkling show. And after completing a perfect treble of right foot, left foot and header, he went on to add a fourth. But the Frenchman insisted he would not be going overboard on his celebrations. “I may have one drink. Just the one!” he said. “I’m not a drinker. “It’s a good night to celebrate but we have many games to come. “My profession asks you to do it every weekend so I’ll take it easy. “It’s a brilliant day but I’m especially happy with the three points. “I’m glad to get the goals, but also glad that we got what we deserved because we have been playing well. It’s not nice to be down in the second half but we reacted well, we scored at the right time and the three points was fully deserved.” Saha went into the match with four goals in his previous four starts and Saturday’s four goal show fired him to joint top of the Blues scoring charts alongside Tim Cahill. He added: “Goals are always a big help for your confidence as a striker so I was fully confident. “We were playing against a decent side today who make it hard. “But at the end there was brilliant play from many of my team-mates so I was well placed to score a few today.” And on taking 11 years to finally score a hat-trick he smiled: “I’ve been criticised for a few years now, but I’m glad. It was one of my targets so I’m glad I did it. “The last one was my favourite because it secured the game for us. “But it was very very important for us as a team to get the three points. The league is very tight.” Saha spent a large chunk of this season on the sidelines with a calf problem, but while he admits that injuries frustrate him it was just something he has learned to live with. “It is really hard but I work hard every week and sometimes it happens that I get injuries but if I’m on the pitch I try my best. That’s the best I can do. “It’s a team with great lads and I am very happy to be here so it’s all about winning games.”

I was there when king Louis Saha hit four for Everton FC
by John Thompson, Liverpool Echo
Feb 7 2011
IT was a wet winter day to say ‘I was there’. One to tell the kids and the grandchildren about for many years to come. Not to mention those envious Evertonians unlucky enough not to have been present on the day. Not for forty years has Goodison Park witnessed a centre forward’s display so near to perfect that it was rewarded with four goals. And Louis Saha’s stunning quat-trick should have been five. Throw in for good measure a classic football match which, with fourteen minutes remaining, Everton were somehow actually losing, and the drenched souls who departed with a warm Goodison glow knew they had seen something special. Very special. Had there been a footballing newcomer among the 38,202 supporters who turned up in the heavy rain on this historic Premier League weekend, then the novice spectator might well have been told this. ‘The copper-topped Everton number nine will turn 33 later this year after a career dogged by injury and fitness problems’. true but completely misleading introduction to what was about to unfold. Louis Saha’s international class natural ability as a footballer has never been in doubt. He is and always has been, immensely gifted. Ask his manager or the team mates who see him every day in training at Finch Farm. But just a few short weeks ago, as Everton’s season of hope was crashing itself up onto the rocks, there were murmurings about his current day capability, even one or two disgruntled whispers concerning his commitment to the cause. Fast forward to 4.45pm on Saturday evening and any such doubts about Louis Saha had been well and truly washed away in a relentless February downpour. The match announcer had already proclaimed Saha as the owner of the ball after he’d completed his hat-trick to level the scores at 3-3 just eight minutes earlier. But Saha, looking more like a rampaging 19-year-old than a now near veteran, knew his day wasn’t done. Far from it.
As Blackpool poured forward in search of a late leveller after Jermaine Beckford had spectacularly put his side back in front, Tim Cahill guided the ball away from danger in his own box and Everton countered. The outstanding Marouane Fellaini sent Saha through with a slide rule pass which simply screamed, ‘The rest is up to you!’ But Saha, after almost an hour and a half of leg-draining, bone-crunching, lung-busting effort, was still in his own half as he took up one final challenge to seal an absolute, certain victory for the Blues. Opportunity was knocking, sure. But there was still so much more for him to do. Immediately outsprinting defenders much younger than him even at this late stage of this barnstorming game, and with sureness of touches as he raced forward, there was, however, only going to be one outcome. Saha’s purpose, poise and powering drive assured he was in full control as he homed in on goal. Taking one last sweet touch in the Blackpool box to cleverly give him his angle, the Frenchman bent the ball deliciously with the outside of his left foot past the Tangerines’ American keeper Paul Rachubka and into the back of the net. And so Louis Laurent Saha duly entered Goodison folklore... It was a fantastic moment marking a great achievement. And it brought as well the afternoon’s first real sense of relief as it sent the Gwladys Street faithful into purring, appreciative raptures. Now there really was no way back for a Blackpool side which refreshingly refuses to obey the top flight’s tactical rulebook for underdogs. And with the respite too, came a wonderful moment in Goodison Park’s glorious history for all who witnessed it to celebrate. Four goal salvos, especially in eight goal thrillers, are about as rare as Ian Holloway issuing a no comment response to a TV journalist’s question. Well maybe not that rare – but you get the point. Because the last time Goodison Park saw such a feat was back in 1971, when a young Joe Royle managed it against Southampton. The watching Graeme Sharp also saw himself joined in the ‘Four-strikes and You’re In’ Hall of Fame, following his heroics against the Saints during Everton’s glory days of 1987. Dixie Dean, of course, once hit five against Manchester United. And four as well against Manchester City, by half time no less! The fact that Saha can now sit in statistical company with the likes of Dean, Royle and Sharp should give him the immense satisfaction he deserves for an immaculate day’s work. But will it give him the impetus to carry on giving Everton the goal-scoring edge their squad has been so sorely lacking this season? The answer to David Moyes’ problems, it seems, may lie within the Blues’ own ranks to some degree. Moyes was effusive in his praise of Saha afterwards, not just because of his goals but because of a fabulous all round display of guts as well as guile. So why don’t we see this more often, inquired someone of the Blues boss? To be fair, Saha has showed signs of it recently. Goals against Chelsea, Arsenal in midweek and against Spurs last month, have given notice that he is anything but a spent striking force. But can he possibly keep it up? ‘Louis does need confidence,’ admitted Moyes. “But I have seen a spring in his step that I haven’t seen for a long time.’ So too have Blackpool and all Evertonians after this wonderful, one-man display. It will be three weeks before Saha next has the chance to step out at Goodison again, his confidence hopefully still sky high. If he’s in the mood, mind and body, then Sunderland had better beware. It might well be worth booking a seat early. Just in case...

Everton 5 Blackpool 3: Louis Saha smashes four as Blues win thriller
Liverpool Echo
Feb 7 2011
Louis Saha celebrates after scoring for Everton FC THERE are sides, one not a million miles from Goodison Park, who have been accused in the not so distant past of being ‘one-man teams.’

But it’s arguable that no team in the present Premier League relies more heavily on the input of one man than Everton. And boy did he have an input on Saturday. When Louis Saha is firing, so too do the Blues. David Moyes kicked off this season believing his Blues squad was the most complete in recent Goodison history. Every position offered adequate, if not exceptional, cover. Goalkeeper? Tim Howard was now being pushed by a promising Slovakian international. Full-backs? The Blues had solid club men like Tony Hibbert and precocious youngsters like Seamus Coleman. Central defence? An England international has been replaced by a World Cup finalist in recent weeks.
Midfield? The promise of Jack Rodwell and the flair of Diniyar Bilyaletdinov have been itching to be unleashed. But the department that makes the most difference between winning and losing matches is where it all falls down. When Louis Saha is not fit or not firing, Everton lack the cutting edge to convert all their excellent approach work into victories. Tim Cahill has carried the burden manfully at times. But even he would admit he does his best work behind a lone spearhead. And with Yakubu downing tools and Jermaine Beckford a Premier League work in progress, the lack of a world class front man has told. Injured on the opening day against Blackburn, Louis Saha didn’t start a match until November or celebrate a goal until January. And Everton suffered. But the difference that match fitness and confidence brings to Louis Saha’s game, and Everton’s, is enormous.
The Blues have lost once in their last seven matches since Saha started scoring again. And on Saturday they converted another match with the potential to become a frustrating, if wildly exciting, draw, into a thoroughly deserved three points. The difference, ultimately, was their Gallic charm. Just to give an indication of how special an achievement Saha’s four goal haul was, its been 40 years since an Everton striker last achieved that feat at Goodison Park. And while Saha revels in the nickname King Louis, that other four-goal centre-forward had genuine Royle blue blood!
Tony Cottee did hit four in the lightly regarded ZDS Cup, but that was a tournament so irrelevant that just 4,609 attended a 4-1 win. Joe Royle was the last marksman to score four in a top flight home game, against Southampton. The Saints recovered from that 8-0 mauling to finish seventh in 1971. Blackpool, despite grinding out a goalless draw at Goodison, were relegated. With just 12 goals scored away from all season it was easy to understand why. Ian Holloway’s adventurous outfit have matched that total in their last eight trips and surely all advocates of entertaining football will pray that their ambitious approach does not cost them the same fate. Even after they had shocked Everton by turning a 2-1 deficit into an unlikely 3-2 lead, they continued to commit men forward. It made for an outstandingly entertaining afternoon – and ultimately the right winners.
It is perhaps typically Everton, however, that while Saha’s return to form seems to have solved one problem, another crops up elsewhere. If David Moyes needed an excuse to reintroduce Phil Jagielka to his now worryingly leaky back four, Johnny Heitinga’s weak challenge on Elliot Grandin that sparked Blackpool’s second half fightback perhaps provided it. Elsewhere there were only positives for Moyes to admire. Leighton Baines weighed in with another pair of excellent assists – if Premier League players are soon to be asked to select their Player of the Season, surely Baines will figure on nearly as many tick-lists as Carlos Tevez – Diniyar Bilyaletdinov provided an old-fashioned wing wizard dribble, right in front of the Blackpool fans who should appreciate that art more than anybody, and Jack Rodwell offered a growing influence on the game, including a supremely measured defence splitting pass to send Baines scampering away for Everton’s second goal.
Everton should have had even more goals. Rodwell’s chip was acrobatically cleared off the line, he poked another effort a foot wide, Bilyaletdinov was denied by a goalkeeper with almost as unwieldy a name as himself, and most tellingly of all, referee Kevin Friend failed to wait just a single second after Seamus Coleman had been impeded by David Carney and Louis Saha was denied a five goal haul. If phone-ins and message boards are any guide, there were some fans who preferred to focus on the negatives afterwards, how Everton’s reliance on Saha simply underlines the financial flaws which are holding Everton back.
Fair comment.
But surely that argument is for another day? Saturday was an afternoon to sit back and savour one of the most thrilling afternoons Goodison has witnessed for many a season.
Heck, it even made third place on Match of the Day’s running order on a record breaking day for Premier League goals. “Louis is just a top player, where do you start when talking about a performance like that?” said Blues boss DAVID MOYES. “Anyone who has played against him, played with him or managed him will tell you about his ability. The crowd loved it and it was something to witness today.” “It should have been a goal for Everton. I tried to explain to the fans behind us that he blew the whistle and they weren’t very happy with me. But I told them ‘I didn’t do it!’ IAN HOLLOWAY on a bit of touchline banter with Blues fans.
EVERTON (4-5-1): Howard, Neville, Heitinga, Distin, Baines, Coleman, Rodwell (Beckford 69), Arteta, Fellaini, Bilyaletdinov (Cahill 69), Saha (Jagielka 86). Unused subs: Mucha, Hibbert, Osman, Anichebe.
BLACKPOOL (4-3-3): Rachubka, Eardley, Baptiste, Evatt, Carney; Vaughan, Grandin, Puncheon (Edwards 74), Adam, Beattie (Harewood 80), Campbell (Southern 74). Unused subs: Kingson, Varney, Phillips, Reid.
GOALS: Saha (19) 1-0, Baptiste (37) 1-1, Saha (47) 2-1, Puncheon (61) 2-2, Adam (65) 2-3, Saha (75) 3-3, Beckford (79) 4-3, Saha (83) 5-3.
CARDS: Adam (49) foul.REFEREE: Kevin Friend.
ATTENDANCE: 38,202.

Everton FC goalfests - including vintage video of the 4-4 FA Cup draw with Liverpool
By Sean Bradbury
Feb 7 2011
Everton 5 Blackpool 3
5 February 2011
Louis Saha celebrates his second goal against Blackpool
Plucky upstarts Blackpool, who had already won five league away games this season prior to heading to Goodison, threatened to claim all three points against Everton on Saturday. The teams went in all square at 1-1 at the break, but two goals in two minutes from the visitors put them ahead with less than half an hour to play after Saha had briefly given the Blues the lead. But king Louis wasn't finished there. A 76th minute strike from the Frenchman levelled proceedings before Jermaine Beckford made it 4-3 to the home side four minutes later. Saha iced the cake on 84 minutes, powering through to slot his fourth and Everton's fifth to wrap up a thrilling win for David Moyes' men.
Everton 4 Liverpool 4
20 February 1991
Video of the classic 4-4 Merseyside derby draw
Having contested a 0-0 draw at Anfield - during which Everton had a great penalty shout turned down - a floodlit Goodison Park played host to an FA Cup fifth round replay that will live long in the memory of Reds and Blues alike. Liverpool, sitting pretty at the top of the league table, took a first-half lead through Peter Beardsley. Graeme Sharp pulled the Blues level immediately after the break, before Beardsley popped up again for the away side on 71 minutes. Not to be outdone, Sharp bagged his brace two minutes later to make it 2-2 Everton fans could have been forgiven for thinking it was all over when Ian Rush - so often their tormentor - scored on 77 minutes but Tony Cottee had other ideas, equalising in the last minute to take the tie to extra time. John Barnes netted after 102 minutes and looked to have given the Reds a decisive lead, but once again Cottee came to the rescue, slotting Everton's fouth with 114 gone. A magnificent derby, which was to prove Kenny Dalglish's last game in charge of Liverpool, went to another replay; while there was no repeat of the drama of the 4-4 draw, Everton defeated their neighbours 1-0.
Watford 4 Everton 5
29 September 1984
Adrian Heath celebrates a last-minute winner against Southampton in the FA Cup At the start of what was to prove a brilliant season for the Blues, Howard Kendall's men overcame Watford in a classic high-scoring encounter. Two goals from Adrian Heath, as well as strikes from Derek Mountfield, Graeme Sharp and Trevor Steven, gave Everton the edge as they marched on to claim the First Division title. Exciting games against Watford were all the rage in 1984 - in February the two sides contested a 4-4 draw at Vicarage Road in the league and the Blues prevailed in the FA Cup final at Wembley in May against the Hornets, winning 2-0 through Graeme Sharp and Andy Gray.
Everton 11 Derby 2
18 January 1890
Hat-trick heroes Alf Milward (left) and Fred Geary
This remarkable FA Cup tie remains the only time Everton have smashed in 11 goals in a game. The Derby net was rippling all match long as three Everton players - Fred Geary, Alf Milward and Alec Brady - helped themselves to hat-tricks, the only time a trio have pulled off this feat in one match in the club's history. The Blues did not fare so well in the next round, losing 4-2 to Stoke but they were runners-up in the First Division at the end of the season, finishing behind champions Preston North End.

Seamus Coleman: Everton FC’s goal hero Louis Saha should have had five
by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
Feb 7 2011SEAMUS COLEMAN believes team-mate Louis Saha should now have a share of a Premier League scoring record. The in-form French forward became the first Everton striker to score four goals in a top flight match at Goodison Park since Joe Royle 40 years ago. But if referee Kevin Friend hadn’t hastily blown his whistle for a David Carney foul on Coleman, Saha might have been celebrating five goals – and a share of the individual Premier League scoring record held by Andy Cole, Alan Shearer, Jermaine Defoe and Dimitar Berbatov. Saha recovered from the blow of having that ‘goal’ ruled out to go on and claim his first senior hat-trick. And Coleman said: “Louis would have loved to have scored five and the way he was playing today it would have been well deserved.
“I was disappointed he (the referee) blew so quickly, for Louis and for me because it’s always good to get an assist. I thought he could have let it go another couple of seconds but I heard the whistle go just before he put it into the net. “But Louis was unbelievable. We see that every day in training. But to do it in the Premier League just shows that he is a world class striker.
“He is fantastic.”
After struggling for form and fitness during the first half of the season, Saha has been in sparkling form since he broke a near-year long Premier League goal drought against Spurs. And Coleman admits that if the Frenchman had been available more often during the first half of the campaign Everton’s season could be shaping up very differently. “If we’d had a player of his class available every week of course it would have made a difference. You give him half a chance and he’ll score a goal,” added Coleman. “But hopefully that win will give us a real confidence boost. “You’ve got to aim as high as you can but I don’t like to set long term targets. I just go week by week and that’s what we need to do. “I don’t think I’ve ever been involved in a game like that before. “It looked like both teams could score every time they attacked. “They like to go forward and they never sat back, but that left some gaps which thankfully in the end we could exploit. “I’m happy to be on the winning team and happy to be playing. I’m learning all the time.”

Saha must settle for four after five-star show
By Steve Canavan
Mon Feb 07 Blackpool Gazzett

FOUR-GOAL star Louis Saha deflected the praise after his starring role in Everton’s 5-3 win over Blackpool. The striker underlined his recent return to form by taking his tally to eight in his last six games as the Toffees came from 3-2 down to win a Premier League thriller at Goodison Park. Having never even scored a hat-trick in England’s top flight before, Saha’s performance was an obvious career highlight but the 32-year-old preferred to focus on the performance of the team. The Frenchman said: “It is always a nice feeling when you are scoring goals and winning is the main thing about being a footballer. “I am glad that we got the result we deserved. “I feel very good. The confidence in the camp is really good and it helps you when you get lads who are fully confident.” Saha felt he should have had five but had a goal disallowed after referee Kevin Friend blew for a foul on team-mate Seamus Coleman seconds earlier. Saha said: “Once the referee blew, he couldn’t go back. It is a shame because it could be advantage but the main thing is to get three points.” Everton manager David Moyes was gushing about the performance of Saha. He said: “Where do you start with Louis? It was just a top, top performance. “Anybody who has played against him, with him or managed him will tell you he has that ability. “That is why he has been involved with France teams and at World Cups. He has that quality. “He has probably not shown it as often as he can do but this performance was right up there with the best.” Everton’s victory was only their third in 15 Premier League games but Moyes felt it was thoroughly deserved. He added: “If we hadn’t won it would have been completely wrong. We were the better team and had the chances. “You probably always need to score three goals to beat Blackpool and we needed four certainly, and thankfully we got a fifth too.”

Everton FC vows to keep star players despite £3.1m loss in annual accounts
by David Bartlett, Liverpool Echo
Feb 7 2011
Everton FC's stadium, Goodison Park, saw gate receipts dropEVERTON FC does not have to sell star players like Marouane Fellaini or Jack Rodwell to balance its books, chief executive Robert Elstone said today. Mr Elstone spoke as the club’s latest accounts revealed rising debts, a soaring wage bill and a pre-tax loss of £3.1m. But the chief executive told the ECHO the club’s finances were "healthy" and it would continue to remain ambitious for success on the field. Everton’s latest accounts up to May, 2010, revealed: Debt up by £7m to £44.9m; The Blues’ wage bill increased to £54.3m, 69% of turnover; The club’s overdraft facility ends in 20 days, but the bank has indicated it will be extended; The £8m sale of the Bellefield training ground was used to pay off previous loans. Turnover at the Blues remained fairly static for the year ended May, 2010, down £600,000 to 79.1m. The club recorded a pre-tax loss of £3.1m, with £4.5m paid in interest charges. Speaking to the ECHO amid internet rumours of a financial crisis at Everton, Mr Elstone said the accounts made clear the club’s finances were solid. "In essence, what we are looking at is a pretty good set of accounts based on turnover holding up and looking solid in tough economic times. "It is a healthy set of accounts, but like the vast majority of football clubs and businesses today money is tight.
"It will not stop us being ambitious and we will continue doing that." Gate receipts were down £2.7m to £19.2m; however, the previous year included the long FA Cup run that culminated in the final against Chelsea. Average attendances for Premier League games at Goodison Park increased from 35,667 to 36,729. Season ticket numbers increased from 23,717 to 25,671, a rise of 8%, generating £19.2m. Debts increased to £47.6m. However, £21.1m is not due for repayment for more than five years, and net debt now stands at £44.9m, up from £37.9m. Broadcasting income increased to £50.2m, up from £48.6m due to reaching the round of 32 of the Europa League.
But the amount the club received from domestic games fell due to finishing 8th in the league.
In 2010, there were 13 live Premier League matches broadcast, compared to 17 in 2009.
The club’s wage bill as a proportion of turnover was 69%, up from 62%. The accounts state: "It is still considered an appropriate level of investment in staff costs. This increase primarily arises from further investment in the playing squad." The wage bill now stands at £54.3m, up from £49.1m. The Blues recorded an operating loss before player trading of £500,000. EFC made a £19m profit on the sale of players, principally from the sale of Joleon Lescott to Manchester City, leading to a profit before interest and tax of £1.4m. The Lescott money was reinvested in the purchases of Sylvain Distin, John Heitinga and Diniyar Bilyaletdinov. When the net interest charge of £4.5m from servicing debts and the bank overdraft is included, the club made a pre-tax loss of £3.1m. Chairman Bill Kenwright said: "From a financial perspective, the year was one which was underpinned by sensible business management which enabled us to continue to do everything within our collective power to help the manager in his concerted efforts to build a squad which would challenge the top four. "In modern football, the difference between success and failure can be wafer-thin. "Yes, those clubs fortunate enough to boast a rich and generous benefactor undoubtedly have a clearly defined advantage, but the outcomes of crucial matches are quite often decided not by the size of the bank balance but more by skill, good fortune or the whim of a referee. "Irrespective of their standing within the various leagues, clubs will invariably be judged on two things – performance and level of support. "Our average attendance for Premier League games at Goodison Park rose to almost 37,000 during the course of the last campaign, a statistic which delights me but does not surprise me simply because we are fortunate enough to boast the most loyal and knowledgeable crowd in British football. Turnover fell by £600k to £79.1m and gate receipts were £19.2m, down £2.7m, but previous season included reaching the FA Cup final Broadcasting income increased to £50.2m, up from £48.6m due to reaching the round of 32 of the Europa League. Wage bill up: 69% of turnover, up from 62% in 2009 and 59% in 2008. In cash terms, £5m extra each year. Bill now stands at £54.3m. Borrowings increased to £47.6m. Net debt is up £7m to £44.9m. Interest charges cost £4.5m.

Everton FC accounts reveal rising debts, but club won't sell star players
by David Bartlett, Liverpool Daily Post
Feb 8 2011
EVERTON FC does not have to sell star players like Marouane Fellaini or Jack Rodwell to balance its books, chief executive Robert Elstone said today. Mr Elstone spoke as the club’s latest accounts revealed rising debts, a soaring wage bill and a pre-tax loss of £3.1m. But the chief executive told the ECHO the club’s finances were "healthy" and it would continue to remain ambitious for success on the field. Everton’s latest accounts up to May, 2010, revealed: Debt up by £7m to £44.9m;
The Blues’ wage bill increased to £54.3m, 69% of turnover; The club’s overdraft facility ends in 20 days, but the bank has indicated it will be extended; The £8m sale of the Bellefield training ground was used to pay off previous loans. Turnover at The club recorded a pre-tax loss of £3.1m, with £4.5m paid in interest charges. Speaking to the ECHO amid internet rumours of a financial crisis at Everton, Mr Elstone said the accounts made clear the club’s finances were solid. "In essence, what we are looking at is a pretty good set of accounts based on turnover holding up and looking solid in tough economic times. "It is a healthy set of accounts, but like the vast majority of football clubs and businesses today money is tight. "It will not stop us being ambitious and we will continue doing that." Gate receipts were down £2.7m to £19.2m; however, the previous year included the long FA Cup run that culminated in the final against Chelsea. Average attendances for Premier League games at Goodison Park increased from 35,667 to 36,729. Season ticket numbers increased from 23,717 to 25,671, a rise of 8%, generating £19.2m. Debts increased to £47.6m. However, £21.1m is not due for repayment for more than five years, and net debt now stands at £44.9m, up from £37.9m. Broadcasting income increased to £50.2m, up from £48.6m due to reaching the round of 32 of the Europa League. But the amount the club received from domestic games fell due to finishing 8th in the league. In 2010, there were 13 live Premier League matches broadcast, compared to 17 in 2009. The club’s wage bill as a proportion of turnover was 69%, up from 62%. The accounts state: "It is still considered an appropriate level of investment in staff costs. This increase primarily arises from further investment in the playing squad." The wage bill now stands at £54.3m, up from £49.1m. The Blues recorded an operating loss before player trading of £500,000.
EFC made a £19m profit on the sale of players, principally from the sale of Joleon Lescott to Manchester City, leading to a profit before interest and tax of £1.4m. The Lescott money was reinvested in the purchases of Sylvain Distin, John Heitinga and Diniyar Bilyaletdinov. When the net interest charge of £4.5m from servicing debts and the bank overdraft is included, the club made a pre-tax loss of £3.1m. Chairman Bill Kenwright said: "From a financial perspective, the year was one which was underpinned by sensible business management which enabled us to continue to do everything within our collective power to help the manager in his concerted efforts to build a squad which would challenge the top four. "In modern football, the difference between success and failure can be wafer-thin. "Yes, those clubs fortunate enough to boast a rich and generous benefactor undoubtedly have a clearly defined advantage, but the outcomes of crucial matches are quite often decided not by the size of the bank balance but more by skill, good fortune or the whim of a referee.
"Irrespective of their standing within the various leagues, clubs will invariably be judged on two things – performance and level of support. "Our average attendance for Premier League games at Goodison Park rose to almost 37,000 during the course of the last campaign, a statistic which delights me but does not surprise me simply because we are fortunate enough to boast the most loyal and knowledgeable crowd in British football. Turnover fell by £600k to £79.1m and gate receipts were £19.2m, down £2.7m, but previous season included reaching the FA Cup final
Broadcasting income increased to £50.2m, up from £48.6m due to reaching the round of 32 of the Europa League. Wage bill up: 69% of turnover, up from 62% in 2009 and 59% in 2008. In cash terms, £5m extra each year. Bill now stands at £54.3m. Borrowings increased to £47.6m. Net debt is up £7m to £44.9m. Interest charges cost £4.5m.

Mark Lawrenson: Wenger smokescreen is poor way to question Everton FC manager Moyes
Liverpool Daily Post
Feb 8 2011
DAVID MOYES asked us who we believe – him or Arsene Wenger? Come on, give us a harder one. I’ve known the Everton manager since he was manager of my team, Preston, and he would not just make things up. He was asked about the game at Arsenal and gave an honest assessment of the situation, that if Cesc Fabregas had been dealt with for what he said to the fourth official, Arsenal would have been down to 10 men and Everton would have had a much better chance of holding on to their 1-0 half-time lead. Wenger might have had a point about stuff in the tunnel being broadcast out in the open but we all know this wasn’t the real issue. He wanted to create a smokescreen around his captain – he’s terrified of losing him and won’t upset him by dressing him down in public.
But to go to the extent of accusing Moyes of pretending to hear things? Sorry, not having that.
On a more positive note from Everton’s point of view, Louis Saha’s resurgence has proved just how simple a game football is. Forget 4-4-2, 4-5-1, different formations, three centre-backs, etc...the fact of the matter is when a team creates chances it needs someone in the box who is going to take them. And when you play Blackpool they do give you lots of chances. But Everton have been lacking that finishing power for most of the season, and the fact that Saha’s purple patch includes goal against Spurs, Arsenal and Chelsea shows he is firing on all cylinders once again. I think Moyes is due a bit of luck this season – and Saha staying free of injury for the rest of the campaign would do very nicely.

Everton FC’s Tim Howard calls for stop to conceding stupid goals
by Chris Beesley, Liverpool Daily Post
Feb 8 2011
EVERTON goalkeeper Tim Howard has admitted that Everton need to tighten up defensively.
David Moyes’s men had to come from behind to beat Blackpool 5-3 at Goodison Park on Saturday and the United States international knows that the team still need to eradicate their lapses.
He said: “We’re conceding stupid goals. “We need to become more resilient, we’ve talked about this over the past six months as that’s what our foundation is built on under David Moyes.
“It’s been frustrating for all of us but against Blackpool thankfully it was one of those days where everything is wiped a little bit clean because we got the victory but there’s still a lot of work to be done.” Howard added: “We’ve got top quality players across the back and we’ve just got to get better. “I was excited that we got the victory but I’ve been around long enough to realise on another day it won’t happen – you can’t expect a team to score five goals. “They should expect us to not concede or maybe just concede one to keep us in the game.” Howard has not been able to keep a clean sheet for the past 10 games – since the goalless draw with Wigan Athletic on December 11.
Two seasons ago, the former Manchester United keeper kept a club record 17 clean sheets, beating the previous best by Neville Southall set in 1995/96. However, two thirds of the way into the current campaign, Howard has just five shutouts to his name. He said: “We look back to two seasons ago with our FA Cup run and we kept a club record of clean sheets and I remember the feeling of not giving up goals or giving up chances and I think we have to get back to that. “It’s a ‘all hands on deck thing’. You can come into the locker room and say ‘come on boys let’s keep a clean sheet today’ but it has nothing to do with those words when you’re out there. “Everyone has got to be clicking and you can’t give fouls away in the wrong areas or lots of corner-kicks.”
Despite Everton’s defensive frailties, Howard’s understudy Jan Mucha has yet to appear in the Premier League this season and the Slovakian World Cup goalkeeper has told the Polish Press he is heading for showdown talks with David Moyes. He told newspaper Przeglad Sportowy: “I have asked the manager if we could have a talk about the entire situation. We should sit down on the upcoming Friday and discuss my position. “I will consider my future according to what he has to tell me. “If Tim extends his contract and I will continue to be regularly on the bench, I will start to look for a new club. “On the other hand, I must say that nobody had promised me anything before my arrival.” Mucha said that a return to former club Legia Warsaw would be a dream though doubts there would be a place for him at his former club. “You can write that I’m returning,” he said.
“Actually, I would love to see such piece of news. “On the other hand, I don’t even know whether Legia would want me now that they have three high-quality goalkeepers.” Meanwhile, defender Seamus Coleman believes Everton’s season would look in much better shape had striker Louis Saha been available more often. “If we’d had a player of his class available every week of course it would have made a difference because you give him half a chance and he’ll score a goal,” said Coleman. “Louis is unbelievable. We see that every day in training. But to do it in the Premier League just shows that he is a world class striker. He is fantastic.” “But hopefully that win will give us a real confidence boost.” Natural full-back Coleman admits he is still getting to grips with his current midfield role. “You’ve got to aim as high as you can but I don’t like to set long-term targets,” he said.
“I just go week by week and that’s what we need to do. I’m happy to be on the winning team and happy to be playing. I’m learning all the time.”

Everton FC goal hero Louis Saha shares blame for poor form this season
by David Prentice, Liverpool Daily Post
REJUVENATED striker Louis Saha is willing to shoulder his share of the blame for Everton’s dismal start to the season. Last year’s top goalscorer made little impact in the first five months of the current campaign, missing six games with a calf injury and failing to score in the Barclays Premier League until January. His problems compounded the poor form of the team, who have found themselves stuck in the bottom half for most of the season having been expected to challenge for Europe. But Saha has been a player transformed since finally breaking his duck in the win over Tottenham four weeks ago. The 32-year-old has now scored eight in his last six games after underlining his recent return to form with four goals in a stunning 5-3 win over Blackpool at Goodison Park on Saturday. That result gave Everton a little more breathing space after slipping too close to the bottom three for comfort. Saha said: “We know we could do better, we should be higher in the table. “We have got a squad with brilliant players, quality players. “If everyone plays at their top level we can get results and move up the table, where we should be. “If I played the same way as I did here we would have been in a better situation.” Saha, signed from Manchester United in 2008, scored 15 times for Everton last season but the goals dried up after a double in a memorable win over Chelsea in February. Looking back over 11 frustrating months, the Frenchman admits form had deserted him before the last campaign ended. “I did struggle towards the end of last season,” said the Frenchman, who had never scored a Premier League hat-trick prior to Saturday. “Then when you come back for the season and get an injury, a setback it is always hard.
“You have to work hard to get back to a certain level. It is not like I am 22. So I wasn’t very lucky – but that does happen, so I must keep working hard. “When you are confident in your ability, one day it is going to come. “To get the goal in the Tottenham game was very helpful.”

Marine FC boss says no extra motivation needed for visit of Everton FC in Liverpool Senior Cup quarter-final
by Philip Kirkbride, Liverpool Echo
Feb 8 2011
MARINE boss Kevin Lynch says there will be no need for a team talk ahead of tonight’s match with Everton. Lynch’s men welcome the Blues to the Arriva Stadium for a Liverpool Senior Cup quarter-final tie. For Marine players such as Sean Doherty and Steve Hussey the match represents an opportunity to face their former club. Lynch believes Everton will not take Marine lightly and will send a side intent on making the last four. “It will be a great occasion,” said Lynch. “Hopefully people will come out and see a good game of football. My reports from Everton are that they’ll send a strong side, hopefully with a few household names. “The players don’t need any motivation and if they do then they’re in the wrong sport. “We need to embrace these sorts of occasions and there are still other big sides left in this competition. So victory could get us another plumb tie. “Of course it is going to be a difficult match because Everton are a professional, full-time side.” Tickets for the 7.45pm kick-off have been slashed by the non-league side. For adults, entry costs just £5 whilst concessions get in for £3.

Sports management firm Proactive wins permission to appeal over Wayne Rooney case
by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Echo
Feb 8 2011
SPORTS management firm Proactive has won permission to appeal over a £4.3m claim against England footballer Wayne Rooney. Judge Brendan Hegarty, QC, ruled at a Manchester court in July last year the agreement between Proactive and Rooney for a 20% commission for a number of multi-million pound deals was unenforceable. The judge said the eight-year contract Rooney signed as a young Everton player was “an unreasonable restraint” of his trade. Lord Justice Ward, giving permission yesterday at the Court of Appeal in London, said Proactive did have a prospect of success in its arguments over Rooney’s contract and whether or not it was due sums accrued for services it did provide. He said: “The mere fact this was a claim for millions of pounds is almost in itself a compelling reason to give permission.” Judge Hegarty ordered Speed 9849 Ltd, the company owned by Rooney’s wife, Coleen, to pay Proactive just over £90,000 for work done on her behalf up to October, 2008.

Everton FC star Jermaine Beckford helps promote half term soccer school at St Edward’s College - win a place for your child
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
Feb 8 2011
HE SPENT years honing his own technique at less exalted levels of the English game - now Everton’s Jermaine Beckford has proved he can score at the very top. So the 27-year-old is keen to encourage youngsters in Merseyside to build their own football skills during the school holidays. Beckford invited youngsters from programmes run by the Blues’ official Everton in the Community to Finch Farm for a meet and greet session, ahead of Everton Soccer Schools at St Edward’s College, West Derby this February half term. He said: “Everton Soccer Schools are a great way for young people to develop the skills that we practice in our own training sessions. Taking part in the Soccer Schools offers young people a real chance to enjoy their football and maybe make a few new mates.” Everton Soccer Schools will take place at St Edward’s College, West Derby on the 15-17th February from 10-3pm. Places cost £50 per person. The schools are open to young people aged 5-16 years.
To book your place call Everton in the Community on 0151 530 5253. Everton in the Community is exclusively offering Liverpool Echo readers the chance to win their child a place. To win one of two places up for grabs, answer this question:
Q Who is the current Everton captain?
Send your answer to: Liverpool Echo Sport, EFC Soccer camp competition, PO Box 48, Old Hall Street, Liverpool, L69 3EB. Terms and conditions: The prize is to win one of two places on the Everton Soccer School taking place from at St Edward’s College, West Derby from 15th – 17th February 2011. No cash alternative is available.

Ian Snodin: Marouane Fellaini shone for Everton FC in Blackpool thriller
by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Echo
Feb 8 2011
EVERTON’S thriller against Blackpool was a truly fantastic advert for the Premier League during a weekend when England’s top flight has probably never looked better. The chances and goals flowed, and the pulse rates went through the Goodison Park roof when it looked like all Everton’s adventure might go to waste, thanks to their opponents own attacking abandon. I felt it was a joke when Kevin Friend disallowed the Everton goal scored by Louis Saha, only to bring play back for a foul on Seamus Coleman outside the area. Seamus had stayed on his feet anyway, so it was a crazy decision but at least he held his hands up and apologised to David Moyes after the game. That makes him instantly more forgivable instead of refusing to take any blame. In a strange way I’m almost glad that goal was disallowed because it set us up for one of the best halves of football I have witnessed at Goodison Park. Everton were magnificent. They dominated the game and although Louis Saha did spectacularly well to score four goals, rightly deserving his plaudits, the stand out performers were Marouane Fellaini and Leighton Baines. Like so many other times this season the big Belgian, and the little left-back from Kirkby were sensational. Felli was everywhere, bossing things and controlling the way Everton played. His value must rise with every game he plays this season. Bainsey was sheer class with his runs down the let, and even used his right foot to good effect again to set up another of Saha’s goals. Above all the atmosphere in the ground during the second half, particularly the last 15 minutes when the game was coming to a dramatic climax, was like an FA Cup semi final. Everything combined to play a part. The opponents were a side, under Ian Holloway, who never know when they’re beaten and they helped create a fantastic game. Then there was the weather. The rain was lashing down all afternoon, and players love that.
As a player I hated playing in windy conditions but rain was totally different. The ball zips better on the turf, you can tackle easier and there’s an added speed to everything. I didn’t want the whole thing to end in many ways, but then with Blackpool you’re never totally assured of victory even when you’re 5-3 up – so I did breathe a sigh of relief at the end. Euphoria was washing around the stadium, from the press box to the stands and people knew they’d just watched a classic. The only downside was that Everton will have to make sure they stop conceding so many goals. It’s not like them, and they won’t always play teams who will let them back into games.
I’d have liked to have played for a Mick McCarthy team
I COULD barely believe my eyes when I saw that Wolves had managed to end Manchester United’s unbeaten run in the league this season. It certainly made for an exciting night watching Match of the Day, but on a personal note I was delighted for one person above all – Mick McCarthy. Mick’s a Barnsley lad and he played against my local team many times over the years, so we go back some way. He has a link to Everton in that chief executive Rob Elstone is his brother in law, and he has always been a welcome and smiling face at Goodison Park over the seasons. I get the impression that Mick is the sort of manager who tells the truth in interviews, and doesn’t try and pull the wool over your eyes. I think he’d know when it was time to pat a player on the back and say they’d done well for him, and he’d be honest and up-front when they’d had a shocker. Qualities like that may sound basic for any manager in the professional football game, but they are not always! I reckon that if I had my playing time again I would have liked to play under Mick, and would have enjoyed being part of a football club under his ever shrewd tutelage. I don’t want to watch a game which penalises great tackles like Joey Barton’s on Abou Diaby JOEY BARTON’S tackle on Abou Diaby as Newcastle began their fightback against Arsenal on Saturday was fantastic. It was everything a good, solid tackle should be – firm and unyielding but fair, with winning the ball the end product. I was dismayed to see criticism of Barton afterwards. I honestly don't think the matter would have warranted mention, aside from a few compliments over the challenge, if it was anyone else other than Barton who’d won the ball. Unfortunately his past is used to batter him all the time, and it’s not fair. If you are questioning his tackle, then you are basically questioning whether there should be any proper tackling anymore. Fans want to see committed players tackling like that.
Nobody likes over the top leg breakers, or double footed horror shows. But when you bring into question a lad for simply going in honestly, and with 100% determination, you’re saying it shouldn’t be a contact sport. Diaby reacted because he was shocked – and it was a hefty one. But it could have been worse if Joey had gone in half-hearted, that’s the perfect way to injure yourself or your opponent. I wouldn’t want to watch a game that banned tackles. Louis Saha won’t stop scoring now
I WAS delighted for Louis Saha on Saturday. Having played with top strikers like Graeme Sharp and other forwards at the club like Tony Cottee, I know that it’s tough for centre-forwards when they’re going through a barren spell. Not knowing when their next goal will come has a psychological effect and their confidence can shatter. Now Louis has weathered the storm, he had to wait a long time, but the goals are coming thick and fast for him now and we can only hope that they correspond with Everton’s climb up the table.

Jack Rodwell: England U-21 games help me shine for Everton FC
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
Feb 8 2011
JACK RODWELL believes that becoming a shining light for England’s U-21 side helped him grow in confidence in the Premier League. The 19-year-old Toffees midfielder is one of the more experienced members of Stuart Pearce’s squad having received his first call-up in March 2009.
Now he is hoping to help Pearce show that his unit are the best in Europe when they take on Italy in tonight’s friendly in Empoli. Pearce will also have friendlies against Denmark and Iceland next month in order to hone his side, and he will surely be hoping to have more of his players available than is the case for tonight’s match. Liverpool defender Martin Kelly became the latest withdrawal yesterday, joining Kieran Gibbs, Micah Richards, Chris Smalling, James Tomkins, Jordan Henderson, Daniel Sturridge and Fabian Delph, while Kyle Walker has been promoted to the senior side.
Rodwell though, believes the situation can be looked on in a positive light as it provides a chance for the likes of Jonny Howson, Josh McEachran, Kieran Trippier, former Everton transfer target Kyle Naughton and on loan Blues striker James Vaughan, who have all been drafted into the squad.
Vaughan’s call-up came after he scored for his latest loan club Crystal Palace at the weekend.
Everton star Rodwell, who has overcome an injury-hit start to his domestic season to break back into David Moyes’ Goodison first team in a more attacking midfield role, said: “It’s a good chance for the not-so-regulars to come in and stake a claim. “It worked for me a couple of years ago so I’m sure it could work for some of the younger lads who are here today.” The midfielder kept his place for the European Championships in Sweden, scoring a goal in the group match against Germany, and he is hoping England can go one better this summer. “Sweden was brilliant for me and it was a shock to be in the under-21s being so young,” he said. “I took that experience into the next season with Everton and it made me feel a lot better and gave me a lot of confidence. “If that was to happen again it would be even better. Hopefully we can take it one step further.” Of tonight’s match, Rodwell added: “It’s always an honour to play for England. “It’s a good chance for the lads to get together and get some confidence for the tournament in the summer. “We’ve got great players, we’re going to try to play good football. “It’s a friendly game but we’re England so we’re always going to play for the shirt. “Against Italy as well, they’ll be a good team so it’ll be a good match.”
The contest is the start of England’s build-up to this summer’s European Championships in Denmark, where they begin with a match against Spain on June 12. England, who were runners-up to Germany in 2009, currently lead the European rankings and will hope to put in a confident performance against a side who have not qualified for this summer’s tournament. Coach Pearce said: “Our next (competitive) game will be a tournament game against Spain in a really difficult group, so we have to make sure we utilise these fixtures as best we can. “On top of that, we’re playing a bluechip European nation in Italy. They’re a fantastic side, they will have a lot of their younger players that are going to compete in the next championship. “We know it’s a difficult match but it’s one we should be looking forward to. “We’re ranked number one in Europe at the moment so we have to play as though we’re the number one-ranked side.”

Everton FC vows to keep star players despite £3.1m loss in annual accounts
by David Bartlett, Liverpool Echo
Feb 8 2011
Everton FC's stadium, Goodison Park, saw gate receipts dropEVERTON FC does not have to sell star players like Marouane Fellaini or Jack Rodwell to balance its books, chief executive Robert Elstone said today. Mr Elstone spoke as the club’s latest accounts revealed rising debts, a soaring wage bill and a pre-tax loss of £3.1m. But the chief executive told the ECHO the club’s finances were "healthy" and it would continue to remain ambitious for success on the field. Everton’s latest accounts up to May, 2010, revealed: Debt up by £7m to £44.9m; The Blues’ wage bill increased to £54.3m, 69% of turnover; The club’s overdraft facility ends in 20 days, but the bank has indicated it will be extended; The £8m sale of the Bellefield training ground was used to pay off previous loans.

Turnover at the Blues remained fairly static for the year ended May, 2010, down £600,000 to £79.1m. The club recorded a pre-tax loss of £3.1m, with £4.5m paid in interest charges. Speaking to the ECHO amid internet rumours of a financial crisis at Everton, Mr Elstone said the accounts made clear the club’s finances were solid. "In essence, what we are looking at is a pretty good set of accounts based on turnover holding up and looking solid in tough economic times. "It is a healthy set of accounts, but like the vast majority of football clubs and businesses today money is tight.
"It will not stop us being ambitious and we will continue doing that." Gate receipts were down £2.7m to £19.2m; however, the previous year included the long FA Cup run that culminated in the final against Chelsea. Average attendances for Premier League games at Goodison Park increased from 35,667 to 36,729. Season ticket numbers increased from 23,717 to 25,671, a rise of 8%, generating £19.2m. Debts increased to £47.6m. However, £21.1m is not due for repayment for more than five years, and net debt now stands at £44.9m, up from £37.9m. Broadcasting income increased to £50.2m, up from £48.6m due to reaching the round of 32 of the Europa League.
But the amount the club received from domestic games fell due to finishing 8th in the league.
In 2010, there were 13 live Premier League matches broadcast, compared to 17 in 2009.
The club’s wage bill as a proportion of turnover was 69%, up from 62%. The accounts state: "It is still considered an appropriate level of investment in staff costs. This increase primarily arises from further investment in the playing squad." The wage bill now stands at £54.3m, up from £49.1m.
The Blues recorded an operating loss before player trading of £500,000. EFC made a £19m profit on the sale of players, principally from the sale of Joleon Lescott to Manchester City, leading to a profit before interest and tax of £1.4m. The Lescott money was reinvested in the purchases of Sylvain Distin, John Heitinga and Diniyar Bilyaletdinov. When the net interest charge of £4.5m from servicing debts and the bank overdraft is included, the club made a pre-tax loss of £3.1m. Chairman Bill Kenwright said: "From a financial perspective, the year was one which was underpinned by sensible business management which enabled us to continue to do everything within our collective power to help the manager in his concerted efforts to build a squad which would challenge the top four. "In modern football, the difference between success and failure can be wafer-thin.
"Yes, those clubs fortunate enough to boast a rich and generous benefactor undoubtedly have a clearly defined advantage, but the outcomes of crucial matches are quite often decided not by the size of the bank balance but more by skill, good fortune or the whim of a referee. "Irrespective of their standing within the various leagues, clubs will invariably be judged on two things – performance and level of support. "Our average attendance for Premier League games at Goodison Park rose to almost 37,000 during the course of the last campaign, a statistic which delights me but does not surprise me simply because we are fortunate enough to boast the most loyal and knowledgeable crowd in British football. Turnover fell by £600k to £79.1m and gate receipts were £19.2m, down £2.7m, but previous season included reaching the FA Cup final Broadcasting income increased to £50.2m, up from £48.6m due to reaching the round of 32 of the Europa League.
Wage bill up: 69% of turnover, up from 62% in 2009 and 59% in 2008. In cash terms, £5m extra each year. Bill now stands at £54.3m. Borrowings increased to £47.6m. Net debt is up £7m to £44.9m. Interest charges cost £4.5m.
EVERTON FC chief executive Robert Elstone today admitted cash was tight as he revealed the club’s latest accounts. He insisted the Blues’ finances were healthy and there was no crisis at Goodison Park. But he admitted there would be no huge war chest for manager David Moyes in the summer.
"In essence, what we are looking at is a pretty good set of accounts based on turnover holding up and looking solid in tough economic times," he said. "It will not stop us being ambitious and we will continue doing that. "Our chairman has repeatedly said money is tightIn football, you walk a tightrope of good financial management. I think we walk that tightrope pretty well." He admitted the club would continue to be "astute" in the transfer market. "It is fair to say we have not got a big transfer war chest, I can’t see us smashing our record transfer fee on a regular basis. "We have to continue to invest in new players. We have brought in some talented youngsters from abroad."

"We have to be astute in the transfer market and the manager and the chairman have a good record in doing that."Asked if the club would be forced to sell Jack Rodwell or Marouane Fellaini because it needed the money, he said: "Absolutely not. We will work hard to ensure we stay competitive."
He recognised that the growing wage bill was something the club was keeping an eye on. "In simple terms, we have replaced one international player, Joleon Lescott, with three, Bilyaletdinov, Heitinga and Distin. "That is two new wages to find, and there were new contracts for Louis Saha, Tim Howard, Jack Rodwell, Joseph Yobo and Phil Jagielka. And there was also the loan signing of US international Landon Donovan. "This contributed to an increased wage bill, we feel that is manageable and sustainable. "The ratio (of income to wages) has increased and that is a valid performance indicator that we have to keep an eye on." He said proceeds from the sale of the Bellefield training ground were used to help pay off loans that had been used to strengthen the squad. "The crucial issue for Everton going forward is new facilities and new investment.
"We are in progressive dialogue with Liverpool City Council, but the stadium is a challenging proposition at the moment. It’s about funding and there is not that money out there. There is a shortage of a viable funding model" He admitted that one area of the business that was "challenging" was the corporate hospitality side. "We know we have to keep working hard to give value for money to the fans." He remains optimistic about the club’s prospects this season, with Europe still a possible target, he said.given recent performances on the field. "I still think that looking at the league table there is a good chance we will be in Europe next season. "Champions League football comes with a big wage bill, that’s a wage bill that becoming harder and harder to find."

Frustrated Everton FC goalkeeper Jan Mucha wants talks with David Moyes
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
Feb 8 2011
EVERTON’S Slovakian international goalkeeper Jan Much has admitted he will seek a Goodison exit unless he can feature in more games for the Blues this season. The 28-year-old shot stopper wants talks with Davd Moyes on Friday to resolve his situation, after insisting he is not prepared to accept a long-term role on the bench. Mucha, who was recruited from Polish side Legia Warsaw last summer as a top-class rival for Tim Howard’s place, has only made two Carling Cup appearances for the club so far. And the World Cup player admits he is likely to leave the Premier League club if United States international Howard extends his contract. He said: “I thought I would be in a better situation than I am in reality. “On the other hand, I must say that nobody had promised me anything before my arrival. “Anyway, I have asked manager Moyes if we could have a talk about the entire situation.
“We should sit down on the upcoming Friday and discuss my position. “I will consider my future according to what he has to tell me. “If Tim extends his contract and I will continue to be regularly on the bench, I will start to look for a new club.” Mucha feels the Toffees' focus on the cup has been partly responsible for his own lack of playing time. He said: “The thing is that in the Premier League we are not sitting high in the table and also because of that the manager has decided to focus more on the FA Cup, where he wants to succeed. “That is why we have been starting with the best possible line-up in cup games and Howard has been the preferred choice. “So far I have earned just two appearances in the Carling Cup and since the last one I have only been on the bench.
“At Legia I experienced a long wait to become a first-choice keeper and I will not endure such another long wait.” Mucha conceded that rejoining his old club Legia would be ideal for him, but knows the prospect is unlikely. “You can write that I'm returning. “Actually, I would love to see such piece of news,” he added. “On the other hand, I don’t even know whether Legia would want me now that they have three high-quality goalkeepers.” Meanwhile, Louis Saha believes Everton must attack with more blitz and less finesse if they are to maintain their current goal-scoring streak.

The Toffees striker capitalised on some rapid-fire attacking build-up play from his team-mates to score four goals in Saturday’s 5-3 victory over Blackpool. And Saha, who has so far scored nine goals in an encouraging start to the second half of the season, believes the Blues have suffered due to an overly ponderous attacking habit in the final third of the pitch. He said: “We maybe have to play a bit faster when the other team is defending. “If you slow it down it can help them so we are trying to change it. “I think a good example of that is Beckford’s goal, it was a brilliant pass and a brilliant finish and they could not defend it.”

Robert Elstone defends Everton FC directors after new accounts show rising debts
Greg O'Keeffe
Feb 8 2011
Robert Elstone EVERTON chief executive Robert Elstone has launched a passionate defence of the club’s board of directors after being told of planned protests by unhappy fans. Mr Elstone has hit back after growing rumours the club is on the brink of administration, and that chairman Bill Kenwright has turned away potential billionaire new owners. Slamming the speculation as “crazy”, Elstone said the club’s asking price is not deterring any interested investors, and insisted that almost 90% of the Everton's income is spent on the players, training ground and coaches. As the club released new accounts that showed rising debts, a soaring wage bill and a pre-tax loss of £3.1m, Mr Elstone used his blog to defend the club's health. ‘The past fortnight has seen much speculation on the financial state of our Club,’ he wrote. ‘Our Accounts are later than usual, and although not late in any legal sense, I hate to say it, being later than prior years suits the agenda of a small minority of fans who seem intent on painting only the bleakest picture. ‘According to the minority, it seems that late accounts can only mean one thing; Everton must be in ‘financial meltdown?' The Blues are set to go bust? Of course, it's simply not true. A couple of conversations I've had recently have highlighted some of the things being said. ‘A week last Saturday, before the Cup tie, I spoke to a couple of passionate and committed fans who asked me if I'd heard there was a demonstration planned. They offered to show me the texts going round to rally the fans. ’When I asked why there was a protest, the response was that fans think our Directors have sold all our assets and have pocketed the money. They then said the Chairman was guilty of repeatedly turning billionaires way. I sensed a degree of embarrassment in their voices. Both points are clearly crazy. ‘Truly, the billionaire is yet to knock on the front door at Goodison. Truly, our longed-for Russian, sheikh or our media mogul has NOT been put off by a ridiculous selling price.' Elstone also denied claims the Blues have become a selling club; failing to invest in recent transfer windows while allowing players to leave. ‘After the Blackpool game on Saturday, I spoke to fans in the Joe Mercer lounge who questioned the lack of investment in players. Four players have left - Yakubu, Yobo, Vaughan and Piennar and, as I kept being reminded, no one has arrived. ‘Of course, the first three have been loaned out with the blessing of the manager and will either be back in the summer, or will generate us substantial transfer income. And I can assure you, we worked incredibly hard, for almost two years, to keep Pienaar, offering a lucrative new contract that in the end was rejected. ‘My response was to pull out the team sheet; to look at the manager's starting line-up, to look at the depth and quality on the bench. No one could deny it was an enviable team sheet. We had and we still have a great squad of players. A squad tied down for the long term. ’A squad enhanced by the acquisition and development of some great youngsters. Following long and considered discussion last summer with the manager, a squad that the board was prepared to commit to, and invest in. A squad, as we've all seen, that's capable of competing with the best. 'Further, as for ‘asset stripping', there are many club directors out there who pay themselves generous salaries and enjoy plenty of perks. Ours don't, not a penny in any salaries or expenses; not even the Chairman's record-breaking mobile phone bill!,' he wrote. ‘Whether we like it or not, it really is all about money. So where does our money go? The £50 million we get from Sky, or the £20 million we earn through gate receipts, or the new Kitbag deal? ‘The simple facts are approaching 85p in every £1 we bring in, ends up one way or another at our training ground. From young prospects, to scouts, to medical support, to coaches and, of course to our first team squad, almost £70 million, out of our £80 million of income ends up at the Finch Farm complex. And quite right too. We wouldn't want it any other way. ‘Of course, we've plenty to show for our money. We have a great Academy and, according to almost every Evertonian, as I said above, the best Blues' squad in years; a squad we all believe will see us in Europe next season.
‘That investment, and most specifically a player wage bill that's increased significantly over the past three seasons demonstrates one thing above all else and that's ambition. It shows Everton has a Board of Directors that wants, and pushes hard for success on the pitch. Surviving on what's left? Well that's quite a challenge. The remaining 15p has to go a very long way, supporting the ground, the pitch, our matchday operation, our ticket office etc., etc., etc. ‘Of course, fans want and deserve ambition. But, fans who are quick to criticise and look for failings are also quick to conveniently interpret ambition as financial mismanagement. If we don't invest, we lack ambition. When we do invest, we're putting the Club at risk! ‘Not one we are going to win. It is fair to say however, that our pursuit of success has stretched our finances, something our Chairman hasn't shied away from saying on a regular basis. Spending every last penny strengthening the team has meant that we spend every day of every week looking to drive revenues and raise funds. It means financially, no one could ever describe us as cosy. ‘But then again, very few clubs are particularly comfortable. In football, if you're not pushing finances hard, why aren't you? And, when you push hard in today's financial climate, auditors want more assurances and lenders want more comfort. Over the past two or three weeks, that's exactly where we've been. But that's also where many Clubs are, indeed that's where many businesses are; in a financial world with a very different outlook and with a new set of rules. ‘I'm pleased to say our accounts are now signed off, with a clean audit report. They have been published this week and show total income, in tough times, that has remained at £80m. ‘However, away from income driven by on field performances -by league position and cup progress, other revenues increased. Matchday revenue per game held-up well with increased season ticket numbers and higher average attendances, albeit in 2009/10 we missed out on a cup run which saw a small decrease in total receipts, and our sponsorship money improved with the new Kitbag deal.
‘Costs also increased, and rose more rapidly than income. With further investment in player wages, - specifically, Heitinga, Distin and Bilyaletdinov replacing Lescott, our wage to turnover ratio increased. ‘It's still under 70% and if we included our shop turnover and our catering revenues (neither is included in our accounts as they are both operated by third parties), the wage/turnover ratio remains under 65%. And did we make a profit? taking total costs from total revenues, we made a small operating loss - the measure of how we're performing before player trading. ‘Football balance sheets are unusual and unlike most other businesses. In our case, as a result of accounting convention, Jack Rodwell, Tim Cahill, Mikel Arteta, Seamus Coleman and many more players are recorded at or near to nil value and certainly way below market value. ‘As far as our published balance sheet goes, our assets are hugely undervalued. Our debts, however, are recorded in full. I think we'd all agree the most important number on the balance sheet is total debt and at May 2010, our accounting period end, total debt was £48m (£41m in 2009), an increase explained by the continued investment in players and a rising player wage bill. ‘Debt needs to be managed and ultimately repaid and it should be recognised and acknowledged that Everton has a strong finance team and the long term support of our bankers and lenders. ‘Specifically, the Club has built and benefited from an eight year relationship with our bank, a partnership which is founded on the strength of the management team at Goodison, the stability in our Boardroom and two decades of top flight experience ‘racked up' by a Chairman and manager envied across the Game’.

Phil Neville flattered by Tottenham transfer interest, but says it's time to move on
Daily Mail
8th February 2011
Everton captain Phil Neville admits he was happily surprised by the interest from Tottenham but has stressed he is content at Goodison Park. Spurs failed with a late bid to sign Neville in last month's transfer window and the 34-year-old told told the club's website: 'It is always flattering to be linked with a club like Spurs, but there is only one man who makes the decision and that is David Moyes.
'The bid has been turned down so let's get on with the football. I am the Everton captain and I love playing for this club. The fans have accepted me and I have taken them to my heart.
Passion: Neville is loving his time on Merseyside 'I love it here and when you enjoy playing for a club like I do for Everton, then you are happy to leave everything in the hands of the manager.'

Marine dominate but Everton scrape through in the Liverpool Senior Cup
by Jamie Bowman, Liverpool Echo
Feb 9 2011
A STRONG Everton reserve side scraped a narrow win in a tight encounter with Marine in last night’s Liverpool Senior Cup quarter final. A bumper crowd of 800 saw the non-league team dominate for long periods before being dealt a sucker punch in extra time through Thomas Donegan’s fine finish.
The game started with former Everton youth player Sean Doherty stretchered off but Marine rallied to create a number of chances with Jamie Rainford and Neil Harvey both going close. At the other end, Marine keeper Ryan McMahon produced an excellent save from John Lundstram’s shot but the Marine pressure continued in the second half with Everton struggling to create chances. Liam Rushton headed over on 50 minutes and Harvey had a volley narrowly deflected wide six minutes later but gradually Everton gained a foothold with Jordan Barrow a commanding presence in midfield. Joe Fowler wasted another good chance for the Mariners but with only a minute of the first period of extra time left, Donegan placed an accurate shot under the advancing McMahon for what proved to be a scarcely deserved winner.

Vote for your favourite Everton FC goal after Louis Saha makes Goodison Park history
Liverpool Echo
Feb 9 2011
LOUIS SAHA helped himself to a significant slice of Everton history on Saturday. Or, depending on what statistical source you use, Jermaine Beckford did! But what’s widely accepted is that Everton celebrated their 5,000th home goal against Blackpool. Using Everton’s FA Cup replay against Bolton Wanderers in 1887 as a starting point – at Anfield – when George Farmer scored the goal recognised as Everton’s first home goal in competitive action, Everton have since added another 4,999 – or 5,000 depending on who you listen to! The confusion arises from whether the British Championship match against Glasgow Rangers at Goodison Park in 1963 counts as a competitive fixture (and with 42,202 fans crammed into Goodison just five days before a Division One match against Chelsea attracted 39,320, the paying punters certainly took it seriously). Some statisticians claim that because the Football Authority did not official sanction the game, it’s a friendly match and not an official ‘home’ game . . . like a Liverpool Senior Cup tie. Others say that the attendance and the fact that both sides played full strength line-ups indicate it does count. The Football League’s Centenary celebration match against Bayern Munich in 1988 (two full strength sides but only 13,083 fans) comes into a similar category. To include or not to include throws up further ramifications, too, like whether Colin Harvey, who came on as a substitute in the Glasgow Rangers match, should be recognised as Everton’s first substitute rather than the more widely accepted John Hurst who came on in a league match against Stoke 18 months later! Regardless of which source you use, though, Everton have now scored 5,000 goals in home matches – and we want Echo readers to tell us their greatest ever. We’re presuming we don’t have any readers old enough to recall Everton’s days at Anfield, so we want to know your greatest Goodison goal. Was it Dixie’s 60th against Arsenal in 1928, Trevor Steven’s stunning finish to Paul Bracewell’s even better pass against Sunderland, or Alex Young’s towering leap against Spurs to help clinch the 1963 league title? Will anyone vote for Wayne Rooney’s maiden top flight strike against Arsenal, or are there purists who prefer the wonderful team goal against Larissa?

Everton FC chief executive hits out at rumours the Toffees are in danger of administration
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
Feb 9 2011
EVERTON chief executive Robert Elstone has launched a passionate defence of the club’s board of directors, after being told of planned fan protests. Mr Elstone hit back after growing rumours the Blues are on the brink of administration, and that chairman Bill Kenwright has turned away potential billionaire new owners. Slamming the speculation as “crazy”, Elstone said the club’s asking price is not deterring any investors, and insisted that almost 90% of Everton's income is spent on the players, training ground and coaches. As the club released new accounts that showed rising debts, a soaring wage bill and a pre-tax loss of £3.1m, Mr Elstone used his blog to defend the club's health.
He wrote: “The past fortnight has seen much speculation on the financial state of our club. The Blues are set to go bust? Of course, it's simply not true. “Our accounts are later than usual, and although not late in any legal sense, I hate to say it, being later than prior years suits the agenda of a small minority of fans who seem intent on painting only the bleakest picture. “According to the minority, it seems that late accounts can only mean one thing; Everton must be in ‘financial meltdown?' The Blues are set to go bust? Of course, it's simply not true. “A couple of conversations I've had recently have highlighted some of the things being said. A week last Saturday, before the Cup tie, I spoke to a couple of passionate and committed fans who asked me if I'd heard there was a demonstration planned. “They offered to show me the texts going round to rally the fans. When I asked why there was a protest, the response was that fans think our Directors have sold all our assets and have pocketed the money. They then said the Chairman was guilty of repeatedly turning billionaires away. I sensed a degree of embarrassment in their voices. Both points are clearly crazy. “Truly, the billionaire is yet to knock on the front door at Goodison. Truly, our longed-for Russian, sheikh or our media mogul has NOT been put off by a ridiculous selling price.” Mr Elstone also denied claims the Blues have become a selling club; failing to invest in recent transfer windows while allowing players to leave. “After the Blackpool game on Saturday, I spoke to fans in the Joe Mercer lounge who questioned the lack of investment in players,” he wrote. “Four players have left – Yakubu, Yobo, Vaughan and Piennar and, as I kept being reminded, no one has arrived. “Of course, the first three have been loaned out with the blessing of the manager and will either be back in the summer, or will generate us substantial transfer income. I can assure you, we worked hard, for almost two years, to keep Pienaar, offering a lucrative new contract that in the end was rejected. “My response was to pull out the team sheet; look at the manager's starting line-up, look at the depth and quality on the bench. No one could deny it was an enviable team sheet. We had and we still have a great squad of players, tied down for the long term. “A squad enhanced by the acquisition and development of great youngsters. Following long and considered discussion last summer with the manager, a squad that the board was prepared to commit to, and invest in.”

Everton FC sweat on Jack Rodwell fitness while Phil Neville vows to help Blues climb table
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
Feb 9 2011
Everton FC star Jack Rodwell*Follow our Everton FC Twitter account for news and EVERTON are sweating on the fitness of midfielder Jack Rodwell – after he was withdrawn just 12 minutes into England Under-21s’ friendly against Italy yesterday. The 19-year-old limped off with what appeared to be a groin injury early on in the match in Empoli. Rodwell had started in central defence but was taken off. He will now return to Merseyside where he will be assessed by Everton’s medical staff ahead of Sunday’s 4pm kick-off at Bolton. Phil Neville is happy the speculation over his Everton future is over – so he can carry on guiding the Blues in their bid to climb the Premier League table.
The 34-year-old became the subject of an awkward transfer pursuit by Tottenham Hotspur in January, culminating with Harry Redknapp making a £1.5m bid on deadline day. Neville never publicly rebuffed the notion of joining the Londoners, and embarking on a Champions League campaign in the twilight of his career. But even if rumours he was tempted by the transfer were true, David Moyes was insistent that his skipper was going nowhere, and described initial bids of £250,00 and £500,000 from Spurs as insulting. Now Neville, who joined Everton in summer 2005, has reiterated his happiness on Merseyside, and insisted he was happy to leave the decision over his future to Moyes. He said: “It is always flattering to be linked with a club like Spurs, but there is only one man who makes the decision and that is David Moyes. The bid has been turned down so let’s get on with the football. “I am the Everton captain and I love playing for this Club. The fans have accepted me and I have taken them to my heart. “I love it here and when you enjoy playing for a club like I do for Everton, then you are happy to leave everything in the hands of the manager.”
Elsewhere, Steven Pienaar has confirmed that it was Champions League football that lured him to White Hart Lane in January. The South African claims that the opportunity to play at the highest level was the thinking behind his move from Everton in the transfer window. Both Spurs and Chelsea coveted the 28-year-old but after three years with the Toffees, Pienaar rejected the advances of the Champions in favour of a move to White Hart Lane. “I’m looking forward to every game, also the Champions League,” he said. “It’s every player’s wish to compete there at the highest level and to have that opportunity at the age of 28, I consider it an honour. “The move is something new, it’s a new club, a new city. You have to get used to your surroundings.
“Time will tell if I made the right move, for me it’s a challenge, that’s why you play football, for the challenges.”

Everton FC manager David Moyes is left sweating on Jack Rodwell injury
by Neil Jones, Liverpool Daily Post
Feb 9 2011
DAVID MOYES faces an anxious wait to discover whether the injury sustained by Jack Rodwell on international duty is as serious as first feared. The 19-year-old midfielder limped out of England U21s’ friendly with Italy in Empoli after just 12 minutes with an apparent groin problem, and will be assessed by club doctors upon his return to Finch Farm later this week. Rodwell has already missed three months of the campaign with a foot injury sustained in the defeat to Aston Villa back in August, and Moyes will be hoping the injury is not serious. On-loan striker James Vaughan made his under-21s debut in the same game. The 21-year-old will spend the rest of the season at Championship club Crystal Palace, with a view to a permanent move, but his impressive form with the Eagles led to a maiden international call up for Stuart Pearce’s young side. Meanwhile, Phil Neville admits being linked with Tottenham Hotspur was “flattering”, but says he is happy to be able to concentrate on football from now on. The Everton captain was strongly linked with a move to White Hart Lane last month, with Everton rejecting three bids for the 33-year-old. David Moyes described Spurs’ original offer of £250,000 as “insulting and disrespectful”, but was still forced to dismiss a deadline day bid of £1.5m from Harry Redknapp as he looked to add the experienced midfielder to his Champions League-chasing squad. Neville says it is nice to be linked with a club of Tottenham’s stature, but insists he is perfectly happy at Goodison Park, as he looks to lead the Toffees towards the top half of the Premier League table, after an indifferent campaign so far.
"It is always flattering to be linked with a club like Spurs,” said Neville, “But there is only one man who makes the decision and that is David Moyes. The bid has been turned down so let's get on with the football. "I am the Everton captain and I love playing for this club. The fans have accepted me and I have taken them to my heart. I love it here and when you enjoy playing for a club like I do for Everton, then you are happy to leave everything in the hands of the manager.”

Francis Jeffers is delighted to play for former Everton FC hero Stuart McCall at Motherwell
by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Daily Post
Feb 9 2011
FRANCIS JEFFERS has vowed to score goals for Motherwell and revealed manager Stuart McCall was the hero of his youth. The 30-year-old one-time England striker today completed a move to Fir Park until the end of the season after leaving A-League side Newcastle Jets. Jeffers spent a frustrating loan spell at Rangers in 2005 but, with the prospect of making his Well debut at Ibrox on Saturday, believes he is now a better player. The former Everton and Arsenal striker said: “I think I’m a better footballer now than when I was a young lad. “I wasn’t really involved in the game in the past; I would just be a poacher. “I don’t think I have a point to prove; if I get the chance I will score goals.”
Jeffers was a spectator at Wembley as McCall scored twice in Everton’s 1989 FA Cup final defeat to Liverpool. Jeffers added: “I was a young lad in the terraces when Stuart McCall scored two goals for Everton in the (English FA) Cup final. “He’s one of my heroes. I hold him in high regard as part of a team who were all my idols.” Now he is hoping to reward his manager’s faith and insists his hunger for the game remains following his spell in Australia. He added: “I’d say ‘wait and see’ to any Motherwell fans that might doubt my desire. “I will prove that on the football field. People asked the same question when I went over to Australia and I was pretty successful there. “Motherwell fans will see what hunger I have when I play my first match. “Whether or not I play (at Rangers) I will certainly look forward to making the trip. “Those are the grounds that you want to play at, and the Rangers fans were the most passionate fans I ever played in front of – I really enjoyed my time there. “I didn’t have the best time at Rangers in terms of form. “I really enjoyed the time at the club but I didn’t play my best football and I really suffered with injuries and didn’t get a run in the team.
“I was really positive about coming to Motherwell.”

Ex-Everton FC hero Peter Reid determined to succeed at cash strapped Plymouth Argyle
Liverpool Echo
Feb 10 2011
PETER Reid is having to call once again on the qualities that made him the heartbeat of the great Everton side of the 1980s. Former England intertional Reid needs all of the determination and refusal to back down from a fight that marked his combative midfield playing style, as he confronts a managerial challenge unlike any he has faced before. Plymouth, the League One club who hired Reid last summer, are struggling to stay afloat under a rising tide of debt and an acute cash flow problem. The former England international from Huyton can't do anything about the financial crisis at Home Park but it is his job to keep the team from going under. And he won't back away as results slide. Reid had to sell some of his best players in the transfer window. Those that remain have not been paid for January and are caught in a run of seven defeats in eight games. As points become harder to dig out, Plymouth play host to Tranmere on Saturday. Rovers stand two places and two points beneath the Pilgims in the table but the Wirral club operate in a different league in terms of financial prudence. Reid said this week: "It is a battle but I have never shirked a battle before, as a player or a manager. "I'm up for it as much as I have ever been and I'm going to take the players along as well. There will not be a white flag for me. It will be the complete opposite. "The one thing I'm concerned about at the moment is winning against Tranmere on Saturday because it is a big, big game. I don't mind saying that. Sometimes as a manager you try to keep the pressure off your players but this match is going to be crucial." Seven defeats in the last eight games sent Plymouth tumbling down the table as the financial difficulties piled up. Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs withdrew a winding up order this week over a £750,000 unpaid tax bill. The club had to pay more than £1 million to the Revenue since the trn of the year. But another six-figure bill may well be on the way later this month. Plymouth are believed to require a £2 million injection simply to stay in business until the summer. The Devon club runs with a wage bill and other costs they cannot afford to meet because of declining revenue and lack of investment. The Januray sales of Bradley Wright Phillips, Craig Noone, Reda Johnson and George Donnell were not enough to solve the problem and the supporters trust has offered to provide short-term mortgage on Home Park. Rescue funds from the club's Japan-based directors Yasuaki Kagami and George Synan failed to materialise over the weekend, in spite of assurances to the contrary. Meanwhile Peter Ridsdale, the former Leeds United chairman and an unpaid football consultant at Home Park, has agreed to carry on working to save the club in spite of voicing frustration with the process. He is understood to be talking to potential investors from the USA, Switzerland and a West Country based group. Reid was previously manager of high-profile clubs such as Manchester City, Sunderland and Leeds United. He managed the Thailand national team before taking the post of number two to Tony Pulis at Stoke City.
Seven months after leaving the Potteries, Reid insists he has no regrets about stepping on board at Plymouth. Reid said: "We've got to keep the football club in this league, and that's all I'm focusing on. I had a brilliant time at Stoke City, but this is the future for me." Tranmere in contrast, are all but breaking even on day to day operations at Prenton Park after introducing cost cutting measures 18 months ag. They were able to turn down a transfer offer from a Premier League club for exciting prospect Dale Jennings last month. Team captain Carl Fletcher believes Argyle can halt their slide down the table. The experienced midfield man confirmed last weekend that he and the rest of the Pilgrims' players were still waiting for January's pay. Fletcher added: "There have been no wages for January yet. At the end of the day, if there's nothing there, there's nothing there. It does affect you, because you've got to pay for food on the table and nappies for your kids. It's a stressful time, but there's nothing we can do about the off-the-field stuff. I just hope it gets sorted sooner rather than later." Fletcher insists recent results do not reflect the quality of many of Plymouth's recent performances. He said: "They have been pretty decent, and we have been playing football the right way. It's very difficult to do that in this league, and it shows the character we have in the squad.
"We have worked hard on our passing and trying to do things the right way. In a lot of the games I don't think we have got what we deserved out of them, but at the end of the day we need results.
"Everyone is confident we will get them and, hopefully, on and off the pitch things will turn around for us."

Everton FC's Seamus Coleman delighted to make his Republic of Ireland debut
Liverpool Echo
Feb 10 2011
SEAMUS COLEMAN admits tasting international football with the Republic of Ireland has left him wanting more. The Everton winger, 22, had friends and family inside the Aviva Stadium on Tuesday night to see him make his debut against Wales in the first game of the inaugural Carling Nations Cup which ended in a comfortable 3-0 win for the hosts. After playing for almost an hour, Coleman is hoping Giovanni Trapattoni saw enough to keep faith in him for the crunch Euro 2012 qualifier against Macedonia next month. “Playing for your country is what every professional wants to do and I am no different,” said the former Sligo Rovers player. “The more caps the merrier for me.

“He (Trapattoni) was delighted with the win and he congratulated me on my debut.. “I just wanted to play whether it be right-back or right-wing. I am used to right-wing because of my time at Everton and I really enjoyed it. “I am just going to go back to Everton and to work hard there and hopefully the club form will be rewarded with more caps at international level. “The game was similar to Premier League football,” added Coleman. “We knew all about their players as well so that probably helped on my debut. “There were a bit of nerves beforehand but I wasn’t overly nervous. A small amount of nerves is always good to have so I was fine and I really enjoyed it. All my family and friends were down from Donegal so they went home happy.”

‘Gutted’ Everton FC star Jack Rodwell facing up to six weeks on the sidelines
by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
Feb 10 2011
EVERTON will be without Jack Rodwell for more than a month as a result of the groin injury sustained on England under-21 duty on Tuesday. The young midfielder tweeted last night: “4-6 weeks out. gutted but will come back stronger.” Rodwell limped off just 12 minutes into England’s match in Empoli against Italy. It’s another cruel injury blow for the youngster who spent almost three months on the sidelines earlier this season after collecting an ankle injury in his first Premier League start of the campaign. Everton’s Scottish under-21 international goalkeeper Iain Turner, meanwhile, has joined Championship side Preston on a 93-day emergency loan. As part of the deal, North End goalkeeper Andrew Lonergan will train with the Toffees a couple of times a week, but will remain part of Phil Brown’s squad.

Everton FC letters: Sell stars, end debt and it will be better
by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Echo
Feb 10 2011
WE’VE massive debts, we’re losing millions every year and there’s no buyer on the horizon. That means only one thing – we have to cut our cloth accordingly. That means selling the big earners and bringing down the wage ceiling to a more manageable level. Let’s face it, paying Arteta £75,000 a week would have been a mistake even if he hadn’t turned into a shadow of the player he used to be.
We simply can’t afford it (unless his performances were pushing us into the Champions League spots). Get rid of him (£10m), Heitinga (£8m), Yobo (£4m), Yakubu (£4m).
Add in the £3m from Pienaar and that’s £29m into the club coffers and about £1m A MONTH off the wage bill. And here’s the thing – use the lot to pay off debts. And I guarantee that when the next accounts are published, things will look a whole lot healthier. Short term pain for long term gain.
Staygold NO summer transfer budget declared a week after having no January spending and on the back of five previous transfer windows with no net spend increase. Just go Kenwright and take the rest of the board with you. You’ve had your chance and look where we are – in a complete mess.
Blooboy
EVERTON’S accounts show a solid year.
There is an increasing need to keep the banks happy and the board are doing a decent job of maintaining standards while not endangering the club. People seem to be blaming the board for our poor performance this season, but this is so wrong! We DO have the players to make at least top eight, if not higher but so many have not performed as they should. That is no fault of anyone other than the players themselves and there are signs that some are starting to return to form.
We could increase admission prices by 10% but would these critical fans then bleat about us becoming too expensive in times of hardship? I hope that we have spoken to Terry Leahy about coming on board once he has left Tesco to invigorate our commercial activities. devondave

A BRILLIANT pulsating game against Blackpool with us coming out as eventual winners, due to an exceptional striking display by Louis Saha. However he needs to sustain this form as Everton at this juncture cannot afford anymore Jekyll & Hyde performances. Sadly, as demonstrated and throughout the season Everton as a defensive unit have been woeful. Equally, Marouane Fellaini is doing too much in midfield and maybe it is the appropriate time to reinstate Neville as the defensive midfielder, giving Fellaini total licence to get forward more. Importantly, the dissertations about the lack of investment is worrying. David Kearns, Aintree WE shouldn’t be waiting for investors to knock at the door – this won’t happen. We need to be proactive and seek out investment – in fact, get some professionals on board to seek out investment.
LesRoberts

Liverpool FC revenue down on last year while Everton FC remain static, football finance survey reveals
by Laura Jones, Liverpool Echo
Feb 10 2011
LIVERPOOL FC slipped to eighth place in the world football finance rankings as the Reds reported a drop in revenue. According to a worldwide football finance study the club fell one place on the previous year, with revenues from last year at £184.5m, compared to £184.8m for the 2008/09 season. But Liverpool remained in the big money UK top four, behind Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea. The Deloitte Football Money League of club revenues named Spanish giants Real Madrid top earners for the sixth consecutive year, with revenues of £359.1m. The Reds’ slight revenue drop coupled with a strong performance from Italian powerhouse AC Milan pushed the Merseyside club into eighth place. The Italian side lept three places to seventh thanks to a £25.7m increase in its revenues. Everton, with £79.1m, stayed in 27th place globally, although overtook Newcastle United, who had a season in the Championship, to be the eighth-highest Premier League club. Reviewing Liverpool’s finances the Deloitte report stated: “Matchday revenue of £42.9m in 2009/10 was slightly up (by £0.4m) on the previous year despite a 2% drop in average home league attendance to 42,863 following a less successful Premier League campaign.” Broadcasting revenue was also up on the previous year, but this was offset by reduced royalties and merchandising income. VFB Stuttgart and AS Roma were the only other sides among the biggest earners to report a revenue drop on the previous season. Although the figures seem to show a drop in revenue by Juventus, Deloitte say this was not the case and the figures were due to fluctuations in currency exchange rates. Dan Jones, of Deloitte, commented: “All bar three of the top 20 clubs achieved revenue growth during 2009/10 demonstrating the continued resilience of football’s top clubs as the full impact of the global economic downturn took hold. “The game’s top clubs have proved themselves well-placed to meet these economic challenges given their large and loyal supporter bases, ability to drive broadcast audiences, and continuing attraction to corporate partners.”

Everton FC jury: Blues fans on the Blackpool win and club's financial results
by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Echo
Feb 10 2011
Tony Scott: Everton FC must find a billionaire willing to invest in the club “THE Fortress sports fund is on the way”; “The Kings Dock money is ringfenced”; “I’m looking 24/7 for investment”; and “We’ll deliver a world class stadium in Kirkby”. These are all classic quotes from our chairman who in my opinion is killing Everton FC and every Evertonian’s dream. Well, my message to the Everton board is simple: get off your backsides and find a billionaire like Liverpool FC did and employ someone to sell the club like Martin Broughton. If you’re selling a business, you don’t wait for someone to buy it – you go out and sell it ! What kind of ambition are the board now sending to David Moyes and the players, and how can the manager sell the club to Marouane Fellaini with no players coming in ?
I haven’t got any kind of money to run Everton – but neither has Bill Kenwright. David Wallbank: Invest in Goodison Park or relocate LOUIS SAHA has been superb recently and the plaudits for this form and his four goals last week are more than deserved. Baines/Bily/Rodwell also did extremely well and Beckford’s goal was fantastic and won’t harm his confidence at all. Bolton away next is a tough task, but another three points would signal a definite improvement of fortunes for the Toffees. Everton this week released their accounts while Robert Elstone attempted to paper over the cracks (operating and pre-tax losses) with talk of a healthy financial performance. I guess Evertonians are expected to JUST sit tight? I’m not happy just to tread water, and something NOW has to give. Let’s stop waiting around for a billionaire to turn up! We either invest in Goodison or relocate because it’s obvious that our stadium is the stumbling block attracting external and generating internal revenue. Evertonians deserve better and our manager David Moyes also deserves better.
Lee Molton: Saturday’s game against Blackpool had everything
WOW! I have just got my breath back from Saturday’s classic against Blackpool. It had everything from goals, disallowed goals, great comebacks and the rain. Louis Saha is the King of Goodison at the moment and got four goals in a game for the first time since Graeme Sharp in the 1980s. Another transfer window came and went with Everton spending no money. Investment is needed for David Moyes to improve the squad – and not through selling key players first. There must be a rich man out there who is willing to invest in a big club like Everton and take us on to the next step of getting into the top four. Bolton at the weekend could be tricky for us, but the Trotters have struggled recently and it could be the ideal time to play them. We need to continue the good form and try to get the three points which could take us into the top half of the table. Debbie Smaje: Everton FC’s defensive problems need addressing JUST as it seems our goal-scoring problems are coming to an end, the problems with our defence get worse every week! Individual errors, zonal marking, especially at set pieces, too much backing off, not enough alertness to breakaway attacks from the opposition – we are making the same mistakes over and over again. And while against Blackpool we had the firepower to come back despite these problems, it cost us despite excellent performances in the games against Arsenal and Chelsea. I don’t think it is down to the personnel, but more the mentality when defending and the way we set up. Bolton will be a very difficult game on Sunday. Daniel Sturridge already looks a good signing for them, while Kevin Davies always loves scoring against us. Our defence will need to be at their best to keep them out, and hopefully we will see more of the Beckford/ Saha partnership.

Tony Cottee and Graeme Sharp recall joining Everton FC’s Four Tops Hall of Fame
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
Feb 10 2011
THEY ARE members of a proud and exclusive band of Everton strikers who, for 90 minutes, simply refused to stop scoring. Since the war, only eight players have scored four goals in a game – and Louis Saha joined that special club with his tour-de-force against Blackpool at Goodison on Saturday.
Saha’s quadruple, which contained his first senior hat-trick in his 11-year career, even earned him a single celebratory drink – but how did a couple of his illustrious fellow four-goal wonders celebrate?
Before the Frenchman, it was former British transfer record breaker Tony Cottee, then Graeme Sharp before him, with Bob Latchford and Joe Royle ahead of them in the history books.
Unsurprisingly, all recall the day they became Royal Blue Four Tops fondly.
TONY COTTEE: V Sunderland, Zenith Data Systems Cup, Goodison Park, January 1991. 4-1.
“The Zenith Data Systems Cup was one of those competitions nobody really gave a lot of thought too. You never particularly looked forward to playing in it, and the attendances at games were never worth shouting about. “That particular match though, I had a point to prove. “I’d been in and out of the side, so I looked at this game as my chance to remind the manager what my strengths were.
“There was nothing special about my preparation for that game or anything though. “I don’t think there were many shots on target during the whole game really, but everything I seemed to hit went in. “After the game I don't think it dawned on me how rare it was in the history of the club for a striker to get four goals in a game, I was just hoping I’d got Howard’s attention. “I must have scored 10 or so hat-tricks in my career but the only other time I bagged four or more in a game was when I was a fresh-faced 18-year-old at West Ham. We beat Bury 10-0 and I filled my boots. “It never really did me too many favours though. I went on to score twice in the 4-4 FA Cup draw against Liverpool, and was then left out of the side for the replay by Howard, so I was fuming. I had a major hump with the manager because I didn’t feel it was fair.”
GRAEME SHARP: V Southampton, Division One, The Dell, October 1987, 4-0.
“The Dell was always a tough place to go so we had travelled down to the South coast aware we had our work cut out for us. “They had a good keeper at the time in Tim Flowers and some great players like Andy Townsend but it was our day. “I scored four but I could have had six or seven. Everything I seemed to hit went in. “After the game I obviously got man of the match but I remember going over to Andy Townsend, shaking his hand, and saying it should have been him because he was outstanding. “Colin Harvey was the manager at the time and even though I’d got four it was not a case of a celebration afterwards or anything. I’d missed a one-on-one during the game for starters! It was just back onto the team coach and get home. “There was nothing exceptional about that season in the end though. Like Louis would have said on Saturday night, I was just happy we’d got three points. "You hear all the personal plaudits, and no striker would say they don't enjoy hearing them, but it’s about the team at the end of the day and winning is all important. “I think I was extra pleased because we’d gone somewhere like the Dell and won convincingly. That was what made my day.”

David Moyes tips Marouane Fellaini & Seamus Coleman for PFA awards
by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
Feb 10 2011
Seamus Coleman with Marouane Fellaini
DAVID MOYES believes Marouane Fellaini and Seamus Coleman are showing the kind of form to end Everton’s 25-year hunt for individual player honours. It’s been quarter-of-a-century since Gary Lineker became the last Everton player to claim the prestigious PFA Player of the Year award, 12 months after Peter Reid and Neville Southall took the PFA and Football Writers’ awards, while no Blues starlet has ever won the Young Player award. This season’s PFA award appears to be wide open. But while the bookies have Gareth Bale, Dimitar Berbatov and Carlos Tevez installed as favourites, Moyes believes a couple of his own players should not be overlooked. “If you were picking the team of the year, I would be thinking Marouane Fellaini will definitely be on the tip of a few tongues,” he declared. “Then there’s Phil Jagielka and Leighton Baines. We have good players.
“If there was a young player of the year getting voted you would have to say that Seamus Coleman will have to be in the running for that, partly because of where he has come from and his climb.”
The PFA award, voted for by the players themselves, has been dominated by Manchester United in recent years, with Cristiano Ronaldo, Ryan Giggs and Wayne Rooney all claiming the prestigious prize in the last four years. But Moyes believes that the presence of players like Fellaini and Coleman at Everton is reason to be cheerful about the club’s long term outlook, despite the bleak financial figures published this week. “There is a lot of really good things to talk about and I don’t want to get dragged into talking it down. I want to keep it up if I can,” he added. “You can’t stand still, but that doesn’t mean you have to spend billions to make it happen. If that happens you’ll only have two or three clubs who can do that. “If you look at what Everton have done over eight or nine years, I’ve tried to keep moving it slightly, nudging it up, nudging it up. And we’ve not spent big money.
“But we’re competing with a lot of clubs who have spent big money. We’re not far off.
“You’re watching us play Chelsea, you’re watching us play Arsenal, you’ve watched us play Liverpool this season. Look at the money over the years Liverpool have spent and we’ve just taken four points off them. “Look at Everton against Chelsea and look at the money they’ve spent. “Look at Everton against Man United at Goodison and look what they’ve spent. “Look at the game against Arsenal, okay we lost. But if you said we were getting thrashed and we were way out of our depth you could talk about decline, you could talk about no progression. “You can’t really do that. You can only really say that Everton might be doing as well as we thought, but I tell you what, they are as good as most of the teams. “And that’s why we’re disappointed and maybe just one key member away.”

Sean McGuire: Lack of strategy has left Everton FC facing bleak future
Liverpool Daily Post
Feb 10 2011
Former St Helens chief executiveSean McGuire looks at the situation facing Everton. Read Sean McGuire's column in the Daily Post every fortnight THE decline of Everton FC appears to be gathering pace and could approach terminal velocity within a year. It’s a bleak outlook for the Goodison Park club but the accounts, released this week, offer little cause for comfort. Revenues were down slightly, wages were up by £5m, other costs also rose, and – in coming eighth, not fifth, with no FA Cup Final appearance – there was less to show for it. The club have in place long-term deals for its main sponsor and its kit manufacturer. Attendances have little prospect of increasing significantly while a new stadium is seemingly off the agenda in the medium term (chief executive Robert Elstone said “there is a shortage of a viable funding model” for the stadium, in other words there is no money to pay for it). On the pitch the chance of breaking into a lucrative Champions League place is diminishing with every year as the gap, and the number of competitive teams, increases. What this all means is that there is very little prospect of Everton growing the amount of money it raises through matches and commercial activity. Its only option is to sell players to ensure it can continue to pay its bills and keep its bank manager happy. There are also problems stored up for the future. The securisation of future revenues – TV money and ticket sales – might be “common industry practice” in football but it doesn’t mean that it is good practice. It’s one thing to go to your bank and ask for a loan based on your future earnings (that is, your salary) to buy a house, but it’s quite another to get such a loan to pay for your day-to-day outgoings. That’s in effect what Everton have done. They have said they could securitise “additional future guaranteed revenues” but while that’s a possibility, all it means is that when the fall comes, as it must, it will hurt all the more.
It is as if no-one at Goodison Park has understood what the credit crunch was all about – in simple terms, it came about because too many people spent too much money today in the over-optimistic hope that they would have more money in the future and be able to pay it off later. We all now know where that strategy can take you. The question for the Everton board and management is how to make the club be sustainable as a business – to find a way of spending no more than it is able to bring in. The relative certainty of future revenues – player transfers, relegation and investment being the only likely significant changes – means that the club know what they need to do to break even. They need to find a way of spending less than £80m, which demands they take at least £15m out of its cost base. Economically, if not in a sporting sense, there’s a simple solution, that is to cut it from the wage bill – a bill which swallowed up 69% of its revenue last year. £15m is about £300,000 a week, which indicates that four or five players would need to be let go, and not replaced, to make the books balance. Maybe that solution would lead to relegation, but there’s a good chance it need not. Everton are still some way off being the lowest spenders in the Premier League and need not be too badly hit by reining in its spending. What can’t be done is for the club to continue as it is, selling big every other season to plug the gap. It’s too risky a strategy for a near-£80m turnover business to rely on pulling off one huge transaction. If the search for investment continues to prove elusive for much longer, Everton has to reduce its outgoings and realise that securing the club’s future has to have a higher priority than securing future revenues to be able to continue paying huge wages.

Everton FC are not club in decline, insists David Moyes
by David Prentice, Liverpool Daily Post
Feb 10 2011
Everton FC manager David MoyesDAVID MOYES has countered claims that Everton is a club in terminal decline. The publication of a bleak set of financial accounts this week has caused consternation amongst supporters who fear the club’s best players may have to be sold to fund any summer transfer spending this year. With no immediate prospect of fresh investment and plans for a much needed new stadium now on the backburner again, fans groups have reacted with dismay to the latest figures. But Moyes has mounted a robust counter to the air of pessimism. “You can’t stand still but that doesn’t always mean you spend billions to make it happen,” he said. “If that’s the case you going to have two or three clubs who can do that and no one else. “If you look at what Everton have done over eight or nine years I have tried to keep it moving slightly, nudging it up, nudging it up. “We have not spent big money but we are competing with a lot of clubs who have spent big money. We are not far off. “You have watched us play Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool. People say Everton are not doing brilliant, but why don’t they say look at the money over the years that Liverpool have spent – and Everton have taken four points off them. Look at Chelsea and the money they have spent. Look at the game against Manchester United at Goodison and look at what Everton have spent. “If you said to me we were getting thrashed and we were way out of our depth you could talk about decline, lack of progression. “You can’t do that. You can only really say Everton aren’t doing as well as we thought, but they are as good as most of the teams.” Everton’s Scottish under-21 international goalkeeper Iain Turner, meanwhile, has joined Championship side Preston on a 93-day emergency loan. As part of the deal, North End goalkeeper Andrew Lonergan will train with Everton a couple of times a week, but will remain part of Phil Brown’s squad. EVERTON will be without Jack Rodwell for more than a month as a result of the groin injury sustained on England under-21 duty on Tuesday. The young midfielder tweeted last night: “4-6 weeks out. gutted but will come back stronger.” Rodwell limped off just 12 minutes into England’s match in Empoli against Italy. It’s another cruel injury blow for the youngster who spent almost three months on the sidelines earlier this season after collecting an ankle injury in his first Premier League start of the campaign.

Everton FC defender Seamus Coleman hungry for more international chances with Republic Of Ireland
Liverpool Daily Post
Feb 10 2011
SEAMUS COLEMAN admits tasting international football with the Republic of Ireland has left him wanting more. The Everton winger, 22, had friends and family inside the Aviva Stadium on Tuesday night to see him make his debut against Wales in the first game of the inaugural Carling Nations Cup which ended in a comfortable 3-0 win for the hosts. After playing for almost an hour, Coleman is hoping Giovanni Trapattoni saw enough to keep faith in him for the crunch Euro 2012 qualifier against Macedonia next month. “Playing for your country is what every professional wants to do and I am no different,” said the former Sligo Rovers player. “The more caps the merrier for me.

“He (Trapattoni) was delighted with the good convincing win and he congratulated me on my debut, which was all I wanted. To be honest I just wanted to play whether it be right-back or right-wing.
“I am used to right-wing because of my time at Everton and I really enjoyed it.” “I am just going to go back to Everton and to work hard there and hopefully the club form will be rewarded with more caps at international level.” “The game was similar to Premier League football,” added Coleman.
“We knew all about their players as well so that probably helped on my debut. “There were a bit of nerves beforehand but I wasn’t overly nervous. “A small amount of nerves is always good to have so I was fine and I really enjoyed it. “All my family and friends were down from Donegal so they went home happy.”

BLUE WATCH: We might be ‘solid’ but Everton fans are tired of lack of progress
by Mark O'Brien, Liverpool Daily Post
Feb 10 2011
WELL, the good news is that we aren’t about to go bust. The bad news is that the latest accounts for Everton FC reveal a £3.1million loss, and it’s a reflection of the general madness of the Premier League business model that the Blues’ CEO described those figures as ‘solid’. The problem for Robert Elstone and his equivalent at almost every other club is that the whole sport is a mass of conflicting aims. As supporters, for instance, we are appalled at the level of debt that our clubs are in and at the way that so much of their income is poured straight into the pockets of players – almost 70% in Everton’s case. However, at the same time we are never happier than when a big new signing is paraded on the pitch and there can be hell to pay if one of our established stars is sold. If Marouane Fellaini or Jack Rodwell are sold in the summer we will raise cash, the books will look healthier and there were will be some funds available for David Moyes to spend. On the other hand, if he chooses to hold on to them and indeed offer the Belgian an improved deal then, all things being equal, the ratio of wages to turnover gets worse. You can’t have it both ways. As things stand we either sell to buy or we stick with what we’ve got. The only thing that can alter the financial situation appreciably is some injection of funds from an external source, and we’ve been waiting for that for quite a while now. Elstone and Bill Kenwright have insisted time and again that they are open to offers from a benevolent billionaire, and although some would have you believe differently the fact still remains that no interested party has ever leaked their intentions to the press. Evertonians are so fed up with their club being potless that only the most corrupt and brutal foreign dictator could fail to enjoy a public relations walkover against the embattled Blues owner if he offered to stump up the money for a new striker. And even then they would have to be really, really brutal and corrupt. We go through this same dance every year, with the rumours and the conspiracy theories, because demonising people who are well intentioned but skint is easier and quite frankly more fun than facing a reality that is quite mundane.

Turner’s arrival will create competition for Lonergan
Turner stands at 6ft 4in and started his career with home town club Stirling Albion
Thu Feb 10 2011 Lancaster Evening Post
Phil Brown has continued his reshaping of the Preston squad with a swoop for Everton goalkeeper Iain Turner. The 27-year-old will officially join on an emergency loan on Friday and go straight into the squad for Saturday’s visit to Hull City. Initially, it is a one-month agreement but could be extended to 93 days. A twist in the deal has seen North End agree to allow Andrew Lonergan to train with the Toffees a couple of times a week. He will remain in the PNE squad though, and be available for selection. There had been speculation that Lonergan would move to Goodison Park full-time in exchange for Turner. But Premier League clubs cannot now register any new players until the next transfer window. It could be that Everton make their move at the end of the season.

It was David Moyes who handed Lonergan his first-team debut in a League Cup tie at Coventry in 2000 when the keeper was just 16. And Preston-born Lonergan is thought to be keen to make a permanent move to the blue half of Merseyside. PNE chairman Maurice Lindsay told the Lancashire Evening Post: “Phil Brown wanted to bring in a goalkeeper to give Andrew Lonergan competition for his place. “We spoke with Everton and have agreed to take Iain Turner on loan. “During the discussions, it was mentioned that Andrew had been with us a long time and obviously David was his former manager here. “So Andrew is going to train two or three days a week with Everton to give him some freshness. “He’s not leaving here, the lad is still on our register and we are paying his salary. “Andrew will be available for Phil to select. “We’re not registering him until tomorrow so that the loan can cover the rest of the season if necessary. All the necessary financial arrangements are in place, and the paperwork is ready to go.” Lonergan has only had rookie keeper Andreas Arestidou as competition this season because of the back injury suffered by Wayne Henderson. Former PNE boss Darren Ferguson took Czech keeper Martin Lejsal on trial before Christmas. But following Ferguson’s sacking, Lejsal opted for a move to Russian football. Turner, who stands 6ft 4in, started his career with home town club Stirling Albion. He joined Everton for £50,000 in 2003, and the switch to PNE will be in eighth loan move since then. The Scotsman hit the headlines when he was sent off just nine minutes into his Premier League debut for Everton in February 2006 for handling outside the box. Turner is Brown’s sixth signing, and the North End boss is pleased with the latest piece of business. He said: “Iain is a Premier League goalkeeper with experience at that level.
“We have brought him to create a more competitive environment for Andrew Lonergan. “Part of the agreement with Everton is that Andrew trains in a different environment to hopefully give him fresh impetus in the remaining 18 games. “However, I must stress that he is still on our register and available to play for us. “This is a chance to strengthen our squad and give us competition for places.” Turner will wear the No.21 shirt. It will be interesting to see who Brown decides to start with between the posts at the KC Stadium. After long spells on the bench at Everton, Turner will be looking to play regularly and is unlikely to have agreed to the move unless there was a strong chance of starting.

Coleman happy to keep on the right side of Trap
By Liam Kelly
Thursday February 10 2011 Irish Indenpenent
SEAMUS Coleman returns to Premier League duty with Everton against Bolton on Sunday happy that his football education has reached another level. Now it's up to headmaster Giovanni Trapattoni to decide if a senior international debut against Wales on Wednesday night is to be followed by a place in the Irish team for the European Championships qualifier against Macedonia next month.
Barring injuries, that's unlikely, given Trap's reluctance to change the side unless he is forced to make changes. But Coleman's performances for Everton make him a man in form, and equally important, a first-team regular. And having got a taste of the senior international scene, he certainly wants more. Coleman admitted he felt the butterflies as he prepared to face Wales, knowing that his family and a large contingent of relatives and friends from Donegal were at the Aviva to see him.
"Yes, I had a small bit of nerves beforehand, but that's always good to have. It's not good to be overly nervous, but I really enjoyed it," he said. "Playing for your country is what every professional wants to do and I'm no different. The more caps I earn the better for me. "I don't know if I'll be in the frame for Macedonia. "I'm just going to go back to Everton and work hard there, and hopefully my club form can be rewarded with more caps at international level." Coleman is a right-back by nature, but if he continues to play for Everton and Ireland further forward, that's fine by him. "To be honest I just wanted to play, whether it be right-back or right-wing - Liam Kelly
Irish Independent

Bolton v Everton FC match preview
Feb 10 2011
Bolton's last five games
Feb 5: Premier League - Tottenham 2 Bolton 1
Feb 2: Premier League - Bolton 1 Wolves 0
Jan 29: FA Cup - Bolton 0 Wigan 0
Jan 24: Premier League - Bolton 0 Chelsea 4
Jan 15: Premier League - Stoke 2 Bolton 0
Everton's last five games
Feb 5: Premier League - Everton 5 Blackpool 3
Feb 1: Premier League - Arsenal 2 Everton 1
Jan 29: FA Cup - Everton 1 Chelsea 1
Jan 22: Premier League - Everton 2 West Ham 2
Jan 16: Premier League - Liverpool 2 Everton 2
Past meetings
The Blues have had some success at the Reebok Stadium in recent years. They lost their last game there 3-2 back in October 2009 despite Louis Saha and Marouane Fellaini getting on the scoresheet, but prior to that Everton were unbeaten in four away at Bolton in the league, winning three and drawing one. Everton's overall record against Bolton: Played 149 - Won 73 - Drawn 37 - Lost 39 - Goals for 249 - Goals against 197
Quick Quiz (see next page for answers)
1) Which Blues midfielder netted twice in a 2-1 win at Bolton in January 2003?
2) Everton drew 1-1 at Bolton in January 1994 in the FA Cup and again in October 1995 in the league - which player scored for the visitors on each occasion?
3) Which forward did Bolton sign from Everton in 1980 for £150,000?
4) In which Premier League season did Everton only avoid relegation due to having a better goal difference than Bolton?
5) Which current Bolton player has scored in both of his Premier League appearances against the Blues?
Ones to watch
Bolton
Loanee Daniel Sturridge has scored in both of his Premier League appearances for Bolton so far this season and the Chelsea man will be hoping to keep his good run going should he get the nod. Stuart Holden has had a solid season in the middle of the park for the Trotters. The USA international has made 103 successful tackles so far this campaign - more than any other player in the top flight.
Everton
Marouane Fellaini has scored on his last couple of visits to the Reebok Stadium and David Moyes will be hoping he can pop up again. In the absence of Jack Rodwell through injury sustained on international duty, a big performance from the Belgian midfielder will be crucial for the Blues to get a result. Louis Saha - buoyed by his four goal salvo against Blackpool - will be looking to fire again should he feature at Bolton, having scored in his last outing there in October 2009.
Latest betting odds (click here for more info)
Bolton - 7/4
Draw - 23/10
Everton - 13/8
Quiz answers 1) Steve Watson 2) Paul Rideout 3) Brian Kidd 4) 1997/98 5) Ivan Klasnic

Former Everton FC player Paul Gascoigne has drink-driving charge dropped
Feb 10 2011
Ex-Everton FC star Paul Gascoigne has had a drink-drive charge against him dropped, a court confirmed today. Gascoigne, 43, was due to go on trial at Northallerton Magistrates’ Court in North Yorkshire next week after the case was adjourned four times last year. The ex-Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur player was accused of driving a Ford Transit van while more than four times the limit on February 7 last year at Leeming Bar, North Yorkshire. But court officials confirmed the case against Gascoigne has been dropped. Gascoigne was due to appear with his co-accused Michael Harvey, 41, of Wood Street, Gateshead. Harvey, who has denied driving a Ford Transit van over the legal limit on February 7 last year at Leeming Bar, is still due to go on trial on Tuesday next week.
Magistrates have been told Harvey had 259 milligrams of alcohol in 100 millilitres of urine. Harvey pleaded guilty last year to being in charge of a motor vehicle while over the limit but he has denied driving without insurance and driving while disqualified.

Everton FC's Jack Rodwell out for a month with groin injury
by Ian Doyle, Liverpool Daily Post
Feb 11 2011
EVERTON have confirmed Jack Rodwell will be sidelined for at least a month with the groin injury suffered while appearing for England under-21s. Rodwell had played only 12 minutes of the 1-0 defeat for Stuart Pearce’s youngsters against Italy in Empoli on Tuesday afternoon when he was forced to limp off. The 19-year-old returned to Finch Farm yesterday where a scan on the damage revealed he will be ruled out for four weeks. It is a bitter blow for Rodwell, who spoke only last week of his hope for a strong end to a season that has previously been hampered by injury.
The midfielder sustained a serious ankle injury in August at Aston Villa that ruled him out for three months, and on his return found himself unable to cement a regular place in central midfield.
However, Rodwell had started the last three games for David Moyes’s side and was confident of retaining his starting role for Sunday’s Premier League visit to Bolton Wanderers. Tim Cahill is now likely to step up from the bench at the Reebok Stadium, with Everton assistant manager Steve Round admitting the team will have to deal with Bolton’s physical threat if they are to extend a run of just four league defeats in 20 games and move further away from the relegation zone. “It will be a tough game,” said Round. “I’ve been to watch Bolton a couple of times this season. “They get the ball forward early, they play off the front and get the ball into the area and have players flying in behind it. “They press well from the front, they have good energy and physically they a very big and strong side. “We will have to be at our best to win the game but the way we are playing at the moment, we can take points off the likes of Chelsea, Spurs and Man City. “This is another game where we have to continue our form and move forwards.” Meanwhile, the mini-derby scheduled for next week has been postponed due to Liverpool’s FA Youth Cup commitments. Everton Reserves were set to take on their neighbours at Prenton Park, Tranmere, on Wednesday February 16, but the game will now be played on Thursday, March 24 with a 7pm kick-off.

Saha out of Reebok clash
6:40am Friday 11th February 2011
By Marc Iles Bolton News
WANDERERS have been handed a massive boost ahead of their meeting with Everton on Sunday with the news that in-form striker Louis Saha is almost certain to miss the game for the Blues.
The Frenchman – who has netted eight goals in his previous six games, including four in a 5-3 victory over Blackpool last weekend – was down to spearhead his side’s attack at the Reebok but could now miss the next month of Premier League games with a hamstring injury sustained in training.
A rumour that had been sweeping the blue half of Merseyside last night was confirmed as The Bolton News went to press, leaving David Moyes without both Saha and Jack Rodwell for the trip to face the Whites. Jermaine Beckford, who scored a last-gasp equaliser in the game between the two sides at Goodison Park in November, is likely to take Saha’s place up front, with goal threat Tim Cahill also reinstated to the squad after returning from duty at the Asia Cup with Australia.

Bolton Wanderers v Everton: match preview
Feb 11 2011 Tetegraph
BOLTONVEVERTON Sunday, February 13 16:00
Premier League
Reebok Stadium
By John Ley 6:00AM
Bolton Wanderers v Everton
Reebok Stadium
Kick-off: 16.00 GMT
TV: Live Sky Sports 1 & Highlights, BBC One Match of the Day.
Bolton (Possible, 4-4-2): Jaaskelainen; Robinson, Cahill, Knight, Ricketts; Elmander, M Davies, Holden, Taylor; K Davies, Sturridge.
Everton (Possible, 4-4-1-1): Howard; Neville, Distin, Heitinga, Baines; Coleman, Arteta, Fellaini, Osman; Cahill; Saha.
Referee: Lee Probert. Matches: 17. R5 Y43.
Tale of the game
Bolton have lost five and drawn one of their last seven Premier League games and manager Owen Coyle could consider recalling Lee Chung-Yong. Daniel Sturridge has claimed two goals in two games since arriving on loan from Chelsea and is the 14th player to score for Bolton in the Premier League this season, more than any other club. Everton’s 5-3 win over Blackpool was their first in four but, away from home, they have won two and drawn seven.
Prior to last season’s 3-2 defeat at the Reebok Stadium, Everton were unbeaten in four previous visits.
Tim Cahill, back from Qatar, started on the bench against Blackpool but is expected to start.
This season: Everton 1 Bolton 1.
Last season: Bolton 3 Everton 2, Everton 2 Bolton 0.
Stat of the game: Everton are the only team in the Premier League who have not won a penalty in the 2010-11 season.
Betting tip: Try Tim Cahill to get the first goal at 13-2.

Howard Kendall: Everton FC's Louis Saha must find a consistency to go with his word-class days
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
Feb 11 2011
FROM the second he stepped onto the pitch, you could just tell that Louis Saha was on fire on Saturday. The fire in his belly matched his hair colour – and it was evident for everyone to see in the ground that the Frenchman was up for that game. As David Moyes said afterwards, when Saha is in that sort of mood there is almost no stopping him. He was strong, robust, alert, and held the ball up perfectly throughout. Better still he looked like he was enjoying being out there, and showed his hunger to sprint past men a lot younger than him and score his fourth goal of an outstanding performance. At times like that you just have to sit back and applaud. But I have one gripe about Louis. It’s no use being so great in one game, only for the standard of your play to sink to unacceptable levels at other times which he has been guilty of this season. How cruel that he now seems to have been denied this chance as injury once again is in danger of sidelining him for a long time. It was hard to look beyond Louis for the man of the match, especially when he’s grabbed four goals in a single game and joined an exclusive club. But I was, once again, blown away by the quality of Marouane Fellaini, as the Belgian purred through another 90 minutes looking more and more like a truly world-class central midfielder. People have asked whether David Moyes feels jaded and is a bit disconsolate after not signing anyone in January, but he’s not giving that impression. His substitutions were perfect again, and underlined the strength on his bench.
Charlie Adam is no world beater
WHILE Louis Saha was sparkling, there was one player at Goodison on Saturday who disappointed.
Charlie Adam didn’t seem like the player talked up as a future Liverpool or Manchester United star.
He is clearly Blackpool’s best player, but that doesn’t necessarily mean Adam is world class.
They work hard as a team, are well-organised and full of adventure, but they are essentially limited.
But as their results start to wane, I think we’ll see that Adam isn’t all he’s cut out to be.
I can begin to realise why a few clubs were interested in buying him last month, but then balked as a price war resulted in his asking price getting higher and higher. It confuses me why so many clubs seemed so desperate to get him on Saturday’s display. Seamus Coleman continued making everyone realise what a £60,000 bargain he was, and why he absolutely deserved his first full international cap for the Republic of Ireland. They comfortably outclassed a weak Wales side in midweek, and it’s a team that’s a far cry from the days of Kevin Ratcliffe, Ian Rush and Neville Southall. It looks like Gary Speed is going to have to rely upon a majority of players from the lower leagues, and will have his work cut out.
* BOLTON Wanderers have had a good season so far, and will not be easy opponents on Sunday.
Owen Coyle is winning rave reviews for the football he has them playing, while they still have a solid spine in Jaaskelainen, Cahill, Muamba and Davies up front. Owen has that special rapport with the Bolton fans because he was an ex player, and I know from personal experience how much more pleasurable it is to achieve success in management with a club you have previously played for.
When the club is close to your heart anyway, it makes the highs of management that extra bit sweeter. The spoils are there for Everton. Liverpool have proven what can happen when you get a string of results.

David Prentice: Did 1960s Everton FC ace Jimmy Husband score Goodison’s greatest ever goal?
by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
Feb 11 2011
EVERY Evertonian knows Ball, Harvey and Kendall. Joe Royle is a True Blue icon. Brian Labone was the Last of the Corinthians. And Gordon West is a genuine Goodison legend (not to mention a wonderful bloke). But one of their team-mates might just have put them all in the shade.
Everton celebrated their 5,000th home goal against Blackpool last weekend – which seemed as good a time as any to ask Echo readers for their all-time favourite. And while the winner of a hastily assembled online poll came as a slight surprise to me, there was one contender referred to regularly in the ‘Has Prenno missed your favourite Goodison goal?’ section that deserved greater scrutiny.
Because it seems Jimmy Husband might just have scored the greatest goal Goodison has ever seen!
It was in a match between the league champions and the FA Cup holders.
And even 40 years on, plenty of our readers recalled it vividly.
One wrote: “It was versus Chelsea, ’70-71 season, we won 3-0. A sublime goal from Jimmy Husband. John Hurst won the ball in our penalty box, passed to Harvey standing on the edge of our area and he hit a 20 yard pass to Bally wide out on halfway line (standing in front of the players’ tunnel).
"On the half volley he immediately passed it on to Husband running towards the Chelsea box and as the pass landed, Jimmy hit a superb first time half volley past (I think) Bonnetti. Cue delirium in Goodison. A sensational goal.” Another fan was more succinct. “There was a goal scored by Jimmy Husband (against Chelsea I think). Colin Harvey played it forward from defence and Jimmy Husband at full pace looked up as the ball came over his head and struck it on the volley as it dropped – a brilliant goal.” Were our readers indulging in a little rose-tinted nostalgia? Had the passing of time lent greater lustre to the moment? Apparently not. There it is, in 72pt Century Bold type, from the Daily Post of Monday, January 18, 1971. “One of the best goals I’ve ever seen, says Catterick.”
The Echo’s Michael Charters agreed. “Everton took the lead with a Husband goal that deserved to be put on film for the majesty of its creation and the power of its finish,” he reported. The Post’s Horace Yates, then a venerable sage of the press box, added: “I doubt I will see a more brilliant goal than that with which Everton lit up the scene after only eight minutes. It was poetry of motion from the moment Hurst brought the ball out of his own area to send Harvey up the middle. “If Harvey’s pass out to Ball on the right was a demonstration in slide rule accuracy, how then to describe Ball’s transfer to Husband? “The ball, like a bullet homing to a bull’s eye, dropped on Husband’s chest. Breasting it down on the turn, Husband hit the ball as it fell and away it soared, unstoppably, into the roof of the net. Goodison was roused as it has not been all season.” And it didn’t even figure in our poll! That survey was topped, with 16 per cent of the vote, by Leon Osman’s Europa League strike against Larissa. One fan, perhaps a little ambitiously, declared: “Not just a team goal but a fantastic finish akin to Jairzinho for Brazil.” (Or did he mean Carlos Alberto?) Osman’s exocet garnered just one more vote than Kevin Sheedy’s twice taken free-kick against Ipswich and Barry Horne’s Premier League place saving piledriver against Wimbledon. The next three in the list were all headers – perhaps underlining Evertonian appreciation of proper centre-forwards – Dixie’s 60th, Ferguson’s first v Liverpool and Alex Young’s soaring header against Spurs – while there were honourable mentions for Graeme Sharp’s volley v Spurs and Trevor Steven’s strike against Sunderland. But others in the ‘should be in the top 10 section’ included: “Tommy Eglington’s header into the Park End goal v Arsenal, 25 August 1954, to win the game 1-0. Everton’s first home game after promotion from Div 2. Finished a great move started by Eggo, involving several passes, a long run and then on the end of Hickson’s chipped pass back to him as he surged into the goalmouth. His header may have clipped the underside of the bar, but it was a remarkable effort.”
I’ll take your word for it Gordon Williams of Penketh. But I did witness Rooney’s, “remember the name” strike and an Adrian Heath effort from the title season of 86/87 and both deserved inclusion.
“Adrian Heath v Norwich December 1986,” wrote one reader. “Sheedy scooped high over their defence and Inchy blasted into the roof of the Gwladys Street to round off an excellent team performance and the start of a period of games in and around Xmas and new year where we were absolutely unstoppable.”
My own favourite?
It’s impossible to say. Bob Latchford on an ice rink against Birmingham in a 5-2 triumph.
Andy Gray’s header v Sunderland – not the “Reid’s cross, Gray!” bullet, but his other header in the same match.
Brian Kidd’s free kick against Ipswich in an FA Cup quarter-final.
Trevor Steven’s clincher on Goodison’s greatest ever night.
Or maybe, just maybe, that Osman goal which topped our poll.
As for Jimmy Husband’s classic, I’ll have to take your word for it.
* WERE you there the afternoon Jimmy Husband scored the goal Harry Catterick believed was “one of the best he’d ever seen?” Write or email and let us know. Or if there’s another Goodison gem locked away in your memory vault, bring it out, polish it and let everyone else know all about it.
Post your letters to Dave Prentice, Goodison’s Golden Goals, Liverpool Echo Sportsdesk, Old Hall Street, Liverpool L69 3EB or email to dave.prentice@liverpool.com.

Battle of the bright young Scots at the Reebok when Everton FC take on Bolton
by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Echo
Feb 11 2011
THEY are the bright young Scots forging impressive reputations at two of the North West’s oldest football clubs. David Moyes and Owen Coyle are two of a kind; track-suit managers who are as comfortable in the midst of training as they are suited and booted on match days. Both men are in their forties, Moyes the elder at 47, with Coyle, aged 44, hailing from Paisley, not far from the Everton manager’s home city of Glasgow. Both have won promotion from the Championship to England’s top flight, Moyes with Preston North End, and Coyle via the play-offs with Burnley, and both burn with a desire to write their names into the history books with more silverware. Crucially at the moment, just three points separate Bolton and Everton in the Premier League. It’s a gap Moyes will be hoping to bridge in one fell swoop in front of the Sky cameras on Sunday. And he will hope for more of the same from Jermaine Beckford, after the summer signing from Leeds United grabbed the equaliser when these sides met at Goodison in November, and added to his tally for the season in last weekend’s 5-3 victory over Blackpool. Beckford’s first Premier League goal salvaged a point for the 10-man Blues as the Trotters threatened to complete a classic smash and grab raid at Goodison Park. Everton’s frustration was summed up by Marouane Fellaini’s red card for lashing out on the deck after a tough challenge. Despite being on the back foot for the majority of the game, Ivan Klasnic’s second half goal had Coyle’s team on course for an unlikely three points. But substitute Beckford collected the ball on the left of the Bolton area and curled a daring strike high into the top corner from an improbable angle as the final whistle beckoned. The away draw was part of a fine start to the Trotter’s campaign, but they have waned lately with only one win in their last six Premier League matches - a 1-0 triumph over relegation-candidates Wolves. They have lost four times in that run, while they were also held at home by rivals Wigan. History is in the Blues corner, with the Toffees certainly enjoying the better of this fixture over the years; winning 73 of the 147 meetings between the sides. Bolton have come out on top 38 times and there have been 37 draws. For his part, Moyes is certain to have briefed his rearguard on the dangers posed by Bolton’s January loan coup Daniel Sturridge. Sturridge has made an immediate impact since his move from Chelsea last month, and has played for England through the levels with a reputation as a future full international. The pacy striker wasn’t getting first team football at Stamford Bridge, but a move to Bolton is intended to galvanise him, just like it did for Arsenal prodigy Jack Wilshere last season.
With two goals in two games since his loan move, Sturridge’s confidence is sky high. The real tussle on Sunday, however, could yet be the clash of the Cahills. With Jack Rodwell facing an extended spell on the sidelines after the luckless teenager had to be substituted on England U-21 duty earlier this week due to injury, the odds are that Tim Cahill will return to Everton’s starting line-up. And the Aussie will be prowling the opposition penalty box for a sniff at goal, with his namesake Gary Cahill the man likely to be tasked with stopping him. The younger Cahill, 25, had been linked with a series of big clubs in last month’s transfer window, but opted to remain in Lancashire under the tutelage of Coyle, and built on his growing reputation with another solid game for England against Denmark on Wednesday. The scene is set for an absorbing tussle between two exciting young managers, and two men who share a surname and hold similar high estimation in their supporters’ hearts. Everton take on Sunderland at home on Saturday, February 26 at 3pm and tickets are still available. Prices start from £30 for adult, £14.50 for juniors and £19.75 for concessions. To buy your ticket visit evertonfc.com/eticketing, call 0871 663 1878 or drop into the box office in person at Goodison Park.

Fears that Everton FC striker Louis Saha has suffered injury set-back
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
Feb 11 2011
EVERTON could be without in-form striker Louis Saha for several weeks amid growing fears he has suffered a hamstring injury in training. The potential setback would be a massive blow for the Toffees, with the 32-year-old currently on fire after scoring four goals against Blackpool last weekend to take his tally for the season to nine. It would mean David Moyes would have to prepare for Sunday’s trip to Bolton’s Reebok stadium without Saha, who could be facing a four to five week lay-off. Saha has been plagued with injuries to his hamstrings throughout his career, and it is understood that the results of a scan yesterday will confirm whether fate has dealt him and the Blues yet another cruel blow. Although Everton have not confirmed the injury, it would represent their second blow in a week after it was confirmed that Jack Rodwell faces a month out after he injured his groin playing for England Under-21s. Rodwell had played only 12 minutes of the 1-0 defeat to Italy on Tuesday afternoon before limping off. He returned to Merseyside and underwent a scan which revealed the severity of his latest injury. Rodwell, who has made 17 appearances this season, has started the last three games for Moyes' side and appeared to be approaching his own top form. The 19-year-old has not long fully recovered from an injury sustained in last August’s clash with Aston Villa. Meanwhile, next week’s mini-derby has been postponed. Everton Reserves were set to take on Liverpool’s second-string at Prenton Park, Tranmere, on Wednesday February 16.
But that game has been switched to March 24 due to Liverpool's FA Youth Cup commitments.
The rearranged game will kick-off at 7pm. Earlier this season the first reserve meeting between the sides ended in a draw with Victor Anichebe on the scoresheet for the Toffees. Everton will also play Liverpool in the semi-final of the Liverpool Senior Cup, with fixture details to be announced soon.

Everton FC boss David Moyes confirms Louis Saha set to be out for a fortnight with hamstring injury
Greg O'Keeffe Feb 11 2011
EVERTON have confirmed that striker Louis Saha has suffered a hamstring injury. As the Echo revealed today, the 32-year-old broke down in training on Tuesday and underwent a scan which confirmed the club's fears. David Moyes said he expects to be without Saha, who scored four goals against Blackpool last weekend, for up to 14 days, a shorter spell than first feared.

Everton FC Ladies eye World Cup places ahead of Champions League quarter-final
by James Pearce, Liverpool Echo
Feb 12 2011
EVERTON LADIES won’t be short of motivation in the coming months as competition hots up for places in the England squad for this summer’s FIFA Women’s World Cup Finals in Germany. This year marks the start of an exciting new era in the women’s game with the FA Women’s Super League (WSL) being launched in April. Prior to that Everton have the small matter of a Champions League quarter-final clash with German outfit FCR 2001 Duisberg next month. Everton will begin their Super League campaign with a derby against Liverpool on April 14. Participation levels in women’s football at an all time high with over one million girls playing in this country. And in changing from a winter to a summer league the FA hope to encourage greater interest in the sport. A deal has already been signed with ESPN to broadcast five live matches. The semi-professional league, which will include eight teams and run until August, will be split into two halves with a break for the World Cup. Everton, who lifted the FA Women’s Cup last season after victory over rivals Arsenal, are likely to be well represented in Germany with half a dozen of their players having been selected for England’s warm weather training camp in La Manga last month. Defenders Lindsay Johnson, Rachel Unitt and Fern Whelan along with midfielders Jill Scott and Fara Williams and striker Natasha Dowie were all in a 27-strong squad. With Blues goalkeeper Rachel Brown also part of the international set-up, it promises to be an exciting time for Mo Marley’s squad. England head coach Hope Powell is relishing the challenge facing her players in Germany from June 26 to July 17. The highly-rated Three Lions were drawn in Group B along with Japan, Mexico and New Zealand. “We go to La Manga every year because it’s always better to train in warmer weather but this year it had added importance,” Powell said. “Everything we do is geared towards the World Cup. We did really well in qualifying for the tournament but that’s history now and we have to kick on. “World football is phenomenal. Being in a tournament environment you never know what you are going to get. You rely on a little bit of luck as much as anything else. “You rely on the fact that everybody is going to stay fit and healthy. Our priority is to get out of the group and then we go from there.” England will continue their preparations for the tournament with a friendly against the USA – the No 1 ranked side in women’s football – at Leyton Orient on April 2. “The game will provide us with a great opportunity to test ourselves against one of the best nations in women’s football,” Powell added. “We expect it to be a very challenging game, which is exactly what we need with a World Cup so close.” With 500,000 tickets already sold for the World Cup in Germany the tournament could prove to be a watershed moment for the women’s game.

Everton FC to help nurse Marine’s Sean Doherty back to health
by Philip Kirkbride, Liverpool Echo Feb 12 2011
EVERTON have offered to help nurse Marine’s Sean Doherty back to health. The winger – a former Blues youth player – was stretchered off after five minutes of Tuesday night’s Liverpool Senior Cup tie after a foul by youngster Daniel Murphy. Doherty had initially feared a hairline fracture of his left leg but following scans earlier this week, the extent of his injury was less severe. The Mariners will still be without Doherty for at least six weeks, however, with chipped bone and ankle ligament damage. The former Everton prospect – who has been with the Evo-Stik Premier Division side for just over a year – will be on crutches for the next two weeks but when ready to start his rehabilitation, Everton will be waiting. Marine manager Kevin Lynch revealed the midweek cup tie has only served to strengthen bonds between the two clubs and says Doherty has been invited to start his recuperation at Everton’s state-of-the-art Finch Farm training ground. “Everton have offered to help rehab Sean and say they are only happy to help with his treatment,” said Lynch. “The challenge was no more than mistimed, there was nothing malicious about it. “The Everton medical staff were absolutely fantastic in helping us with Sean and there initial diagnosis was that it was not the break we feared. “The two clubs are now going to start working closer together which is great and their manager Neil Dewsnip was really complimentary about our side from Tuesday.” The Goodison Park side brought a team of second and third year professionals to Marine came away with a 1-0 win thanks to Thomas Donegan’s extra-time strike. But Dewsnip is reported to have been suitably impressed with the home side that he plans to play them again. “Neil said he thought we played some outstanding football and have some really good players at the club,” said Lynch. “He admitted, they expected us to try and kick them off the park but that was obviously not the case. “Neil has looked at us and believes sending some of his lads down to non-League with us will be a really good test for them. “We’re also hoping to arrange a pre-season friendly for the summer.”

Royal Blue: Spare a thought for the disallowed goal against Everton FC that cost Bolton so dearly
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
Feb 12 2011
IF YOU find yourself at Bolton’s Reebok Stadium on Sunday afternoon and feel tempted to respond to the inevitable baiting of the home crowd, perhaps bite your lip for a second. Because the denizens of the Trotters’ home base have had some ups and downs, which Evertonians have been spared only by some very fine margins. During the 1997/98 season Gareth Farrelly, a man who has incidentally worn the royal blue of Everton and the white of the Wanderers, saved the Toffees’ bacon with his last-day goal against Coventry City that staved off relegation. Just. Of course, deep sighs and ground swells of relief in Merseyside were not shared along the M62 in Lancashire when Bolton slumped out of the Premier League on goal difference. Colin Todd’s depression at the time was only deepened by the fact that his side might well have survived, at Everton’s expense. Bolton’s first ever game at the Reebok was a 0-0 draw against Everton the previous September, when the home side were unjustly denied victory by referee Stephen Lodge who failed to spot that Gerry Taggart's looping header had fallen six inches behind the line before it was cleared by defender Terry Phelan. The match ended goalless, and the teams finished level on points at the end of the season. Maybe it’d be fair to say there aren’t too many fond memories of Everton visits to this corner of the North West. They say what comes around, goes around though and the ensuing years have seen Everton denied plenty of goals in the face of logic, albeit none quite so costly in the grand scheme of things as Gerry Taggart’s. Just last weekend against Blackpool Louis Saha had a perfectly good goal chalked off. Referee Kevin Friend blew up to penalise Seasiders full-back David Carney for a tug on Seamus Coleman, but his whistle sounded just as Saha was about to see his strike cross the line. David Moyes’ fury was softened by his side’s eventual comfortable win and a refreshingly candid apology from Friend, but it wasn’t the first time. Who could forget the outcry when Andrew Johnson’s strike against Blackburn Rovers was ruled out in February 2008? The Blues striker appeared to have given Everton a deserved victory with five minutes remaining but a linesman adjudged the goal to be offside. “I have seen the replay,” said Moyes at the time. “I take the linesman at his word when he said there was only one player but when James Vaughan makes the tackle he falls and then scoops the pass to Andy Johnson. There is at least two behind the ball – I think there was three maybe four in line so it would mean it is a goal. “I don’t want to sound like a whinger – I don’t want to talk about referees but I just hope those two points don’t come to cost us. For us at Everton it is really important that we keep pushing for those places.” And remember Everton were in fourth spot in the Premier League at the time. Maybe the fury Moyes felt then was matched by Arsene Wenger at the Emirates at the start of the month when Louis Saha’s first half goal was given despite being blatantly offside. It certainly prompted Cesc Fabregas (who is in no way an arrogant, spoilt brat.. no really..) to vent his frustration at half-time. But easily the biggest miscarriage of footballing justice Royal Blue has witnessed in recent history left the Toffees truly licking their wounds. Where could this football club be now if Pierluigi Collina had not inexplicably disallowed Duncan Ferguson’s header, during the Champions League qualifier against Villareal in 2005. Supposedly for an offence by Marcus Bent, who was actually having his own shirt tugged by one of the Spanish defenders. It was a decision that still inflames Evertonian tempers now. So spare a thought for the ghosts of disallowed goals past at the Reebok today – but try not to lose too much sleep. Everton FC fans on Twitter provide a refreshing change from footballing norm IF football clubs had their way, they’d probably either ban or carefully control players using social networking sites like Twitter. Having their star names let loose on the internet, without the guiding presence of in-house press officers to monitor them, is likely to be an unsettling prospect. It’s a paranoia not helped when players get it wrong. Liverpool’s Ryan Babel found himself in hot water after tweeting a picture of Howard Webb in a Manchester United shirt after the Red Devils knocked the Anfield club out of the FA Cup, and even if you understood his sentiment it was a daft move. But elsewhere, players on Twitter are providing a refreshing direct dialogue between supporters and the men whose wages they pay. Diniyar Bilyaletdinov is a prime example. The Russian is polite, intelligent and engaging in person – even in a difficult second language, and his tweets are as frequent as they are affable. John Heitinga, who has fallen foul of fans in the past by talking of pastures new away from Goodison, tweets of his happiness and pride to be playing for the Toffees, and Jack Rodwell kept fans up to date with his injury by tweeting on Tuesday afternoon. Let’s hope Everton continue to allow their stars to tweet to their heart’s content. Jack Rodwell must crave silver lining EVERTON have more than their fair share of injury setbacks, but Jack Rodwell has borne more than most. The midfielder must be feeling supremely low after his withdrawal through injury during Tuesday’s England under-21s game against Italy. Rodwell was only just starting to feel back on top of his game again after taking longer than expected to shake off the ankle injury he suffered against Aston Villa in August. But emboldened by a recent string of first team starts, he was again beginning to look like the player whose barnstorming pre-season suggested this would be his year. We wish him a speedy recovery.

Barry Horne: Leaders with Everton FC close to their heart are key to progress
Feb 12 2011
EVERTON released their financial figures this week and despite them not being as bad as the doom-mongers predicted there was still considerable anger from a section of fans. Anger at the club’s financial plight is inevitably directed at Bill Kenwright and to a lesser extent Robert Elstone. On the back of that frustration there does seem to be a rising swell of dissent regarding David Moyes’ management. There’s no doubt this season has been very disappointing and our form has been too inconsistent. We expected a lot better. The fact players left in January and weren’t replaced added fuel to the fire for those fans who are disillusioned. I don’t have to make excuses for Kenwright or Moyes but I think you have to take a longer term view of the situation. The reason everyone is so down about this season is because our expectations were so great. Those expectations were realistic and based on the belief we had our strongest squad for a long time. This is of course a squad Kenwright and Moyes assembled bit by bit over the years. It’s a squad which is not only considerably better than the one the boss inherited but also younger and worth a lot more. At the start of the season everyone agreed we were in a healthy situation, although there was a nagging feeling we needed one or two quality strikers. But the fact the manager was not able to add to what he’s got and continue to develop the squad is very disappointing. As a result we haven’t moved on this year. When it comes to spending, I think we have to trust the stewards of the club and it looks like their actions may have some justification when you look at the figures. They weren’t the catastrophe many had predicted with the increase in wages accounting for the £3.1million pre-tax loss. Our financial situation is healthy in comparison to many clubs. Bolton, who the Blues face tomorrow, have over double Everton’s total debt. Of course we also have the constant shadow of the ‘stadium issue’ looming over us. That’s a major problem and it would be nice to think we could revisit that sooner rather than later despite the troubled financial times we live in. Call me old fashioned but I’d rather we trusted people with the club at heart to take us forward even if it takes a little longer than selling out to the first multi-millionaire. I don’t fancy having someone who just sees Everton as part of his investment portfolio or as a way of getting some sort of trading foothold in the UK or as a way of advertising his chicken burgers.
When he’s fit he’s great but it’s hard keeping Louis Saha that way
ALL the talk this week has been about King Louis with former colleagues and managers waxing lyrical about just how good he is after his four-goal heroics against Blackpool. When he’s fully fit and on his game Saha is outstanding. Since the turn of the year, following the departure of Yakubu and Steven Pienaar and in Tim Cahill’s absence, he has really stepped up to the plate and shown his class. Unfortunately, Saha doesn’t seem able to stay fit for long and news he’s out for a fortnight with a hamstring injury suffered in training is tough to take. Losing him is bad at any time but especially when he’s in such good form and we’ve been short of goals from elsewhere. Added to the fact that the Blues will be without the impressive Jack Rodwell for a month with a groin injury and it seems this is destined to be a season to forget for the Blues.
Arsene Wenger’s example infects the Gunners dression room
I’VE held off discussing Arsene Wenger’s recent pathetic behaviour but I’ve written in the past about how far he has fallen in my estimations. This week is a great example of how a club reflects its manager. While Wenger’s behaviour deteriorates so too does that of those people around him at Arsenal. Nicklas Bendtner has never come across as the brightest lad and an interview he gave this week reaffirmed the popular belief that footballers are selfish, indulgent and out of touch with the real world. Apparently, he’s worth his sky-high salary because he has to make sacrifices like not going skiing! Bendtner did take his foot out of his mouth long enough to offer words of wisdom to that rookie Fabio Capello about how to handle his team-mate Jack Wilshere. It’s time for Wenger to set an example and stop everyone at Arsenal talking rubbish.

Everton FC set to flourish late again, hopes David Moyes
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
Feb 12 2011
LIKE HOSNI Mubarak, Everton have left it very late to get going. But just as the Egyptian president eventually bowed to the will of his people, Everton supporters will hope their team are ready to fulfil their dreams with the season facing its final few furlongs. The Toffees, after all, have form for clicking into gear in spectacular fashion just in time to save their campaign. This time last season the Blues may have been slightly higher in the table in ninth, but they were only five points better off. David Moyes then sparked his side into a run of form which saw them beaten only twice in their remaining 22 games. It’s a feat he is fervently hoping they can replicate now, with only three points between his club and eighth-placed Bolton, their opponents on Sunday. “We have to hope we can pick points up and win three or four on the run and then we will be on the tails of the teams just outside Europe,” says the Blues boss. “We are only just into February so we have to hope that the best is still to come, and in the last few seasons we have tended to do that so we have to hope that is the way. “If we get our form to come through now and we go on a good run then that will be great. “In the last few years we’ve tended to do that and that gives the players a bit of belief that the form will come. “It’s coming a bit later than I’d like it to but hopefully we can come through now and get on a run.” Moyes could have decisions to make at both ends of the pitch ahead of Sunday’s trip to Lancashire. The form of Louis Saha in recent weeks – including a four-goal haul in last week’s thrilling 5-3 win over Blackpool - appeared to have put an end to the Toffees’ goal scoring problems. But with the Frenchman having now suffered an injury which rules him out for at least the next two weeks, Moyes will have to make a change. He must also address the issue of a leaky defence which has not kept a clean sheet for 10 games and conceded three against Blackpool. Moyes said: “I like to score – I am a supporter as well – I like to see goals in action. “But when you are the manager and do the work – I look at the defensive mistakes we made in the last game and I can’t take pride in that. “Yes we scored five, but we conceded three so I have to do something about the bit that didn’t go well. “Scoring the goals was great but the bit that didn’t go well was the conceding. Over the years we have been renowned for keeping it tight defensively.”

Everton FC boss David Moyes defends clubs on international withdrawals
by Greg O'Keeffe
Feb 12 2011
DAVID MOYES has defended clubs facing harsh new FA punishment if their players try to avoid England duty – as he rues Jack Rodwell’s latest injury set-back. Rodwell, 19, came off with a groin strain during the England U-21 friendly against Italy on Tuesday, and although Moyes is happy for his players to represent their countries, he insisted clubs should not be hit hard for defending their assets. The FA want to ban players from Premier League games if they try to wriggle out of appearing for England, after a week when 24 players withdrew from their four representative teams – the seniors, Under-21s, Under-20s and Under-19s. But Moyes is more concerned with the blow this latest injury on England duty represents for Rodwell, who could miss more than a month. Moyes, who is also reeling from the latest in a long-line of set-backs for in-form Louis Saha, said: “You can understand why many managers don’t put their players out because of things like that. I put my players out because it’s important for them, but you couldn’t criticise the managers. “We pay the players and then risk losing them for a period. I think England compensate clubs though which is good. “Jack has been unlucky. He has just not quite had a good run at it. He’s been fit for a while, but at first he was on the bench before breaking into the team and doing well. “I think he did really well last week. He made two of the goals with his passing, and could have scored three himself. I’m disappointed to lose him, the injury couldn’t have come at a worse time. Jack is a good player, finding his ways. “Injuries can hamper your progress if you’re a young player, but Jack is past the ‘young period’ now. He trains every day with the first team and plays for England’s U-21s. He gets injured for his country, and there’s not a lot I can do about that.” Moyes was philosophical about the hamstring injury Louis Saha suffered in training on Tuesday, which could rule him out for 14 days, and does not believe the striker’s confidence will suffer as a result. He said: “I don’t think his confidence will suffer too much. Injuries are part of football and Louis’ had a few, so he’ll get over this one. “We’ve got one or two alternatives for Bolton but if we bring Beckford in he scored a really good goal last week.” Meanwhile, Mikel Arteta believes the 13th placed Toffees will be buoyed by the likely return to the side of Tim Cahill for Sunday’s trip to Bolton. With Rodwell out, Cahill should return to the fold and Arteta is pleased to have his friend back in action. He said: “It’s really important for the team and for Tim himself, he’s been out for four or five weeks now and we’ve missed him. “We need his goals as well, he’s capable of making a difference at the top end of the pitch and hopefully now he’s back he’ll score the goals again. “I think Jack was gradually getting back to his best, his performances have been much better but he’s been unlucky again. “But he is a young lad, he will get over it and he’s got plenty of years of playing left.” Arteta facea a midfield battle of wits with highly-rated USA international Stuart Holden. “I think he’s a really complete player, a lot of people rate him at the moment and it’s right the praise he’s been getting,” added Arteta.
Nev’s had his Phil of England youth
The Sun, 13/02/11
Add a comment (0) PHIL NEVILLE has slammed England's 'disgraceful' young talent - saying he felt 'ashamed' after 12 players pulled out of the Under-21 squad. The Everton captain said: "It really saddened me to look at the England Under-21 squad and see 12 pull-outs, when you have a situation where the full national manager is looking to blood and build a fresh young England team. "I find it disgraceful. I felt ashamed that players who have dropped down from the England team to the Under-21s are pulling out of friendly games against Italy. "I don't see those matches as friendly games at all. It was Italy away from home for England - you should want to play in that game." Neville says there are exceptions, including rising England star Jack Wilshere, who made his first start for the senior team against Denmark this week. "You look at James Milner - who turned up every time he was picked for the Under-21s - and I think Jamie Carragher played something like 40-odd times for the Under-21s," he said. "It's something to do with hunger, desire, something wanting to get to the top. "The dying breed of players like Carragher, Steven Gerrard, me and my brother Gary - maybe we wanted it more than some of the younger generation do. "But there are younger players who do want it. I look at the way Jack Wilshere plays and I see the hunger in his eyes - you can just see it."

Neville: My principles kept me from demanding Spurs switch
13/02/11 By Simon Mullock (Sunday Mirror)
Phil Neville hasn’t lost any sleep over the fact that he could have been playing in the Champions League this week. For the Everton captain, ­thinking what would have been had ­Tottenham succeeded with a ‘Deadline Day’ bid to take him to White Hart Lane would only be a waste of energy. Work, rest and play is the simple mantra by which Neville has lived his life for the past 20 years, ­regardless of whether he’s ­wearing the red of Manchester United, the white of England or the blue of Everton. So instead of a date with AC Milan, it is a clash with Bolton that will be on his mind. Neville said: “The Tottenham thing didn’t get close because Everton said ‘no’ and I respected that decision. “It was an unbelievable honour to be wanted by [manager] Harry Redknapp and a club like ­Tottenham, but it was also an ­unbelievable honour that David Moyes [the Everton boss] was never going to let me go. “I could have kicked off about it – and many players would have – but that’s not my style. “I have principles – I have had them throughout my career – and loyalty is perhaps the biggest of those principles. “I know that other players would have put in a transfer request or thrown their toys out of their pram, but that was never going to happen with me. “You can call it naïve. I’d like to think I am clever and sensible because putting in transfer ­requests, demanding this and that, only works short-term. “Long term, I like to think that you get your rewards if you stick by good principles.” Turning to his need for sleep, Neville went on: “You can never compromise your commitment to playing football – ever. “You have to train hard and you even have to put the same focus on resting yourself and making sure you’re ready to go again. “Even sleep is a massive part of my preparation. I have to have two or three hours sleep for four or five afternoons a week. “People ask me what I am doing. But I train so hard in the morning that I have to sleep in the ­afternoon to recover properly. “I go to bed for a few hours in the afternoon and then I’m tucked up again at 9pm Half-nine at the ­latest. He laughed: “It’s become a part of my family life now. I don’t put the kids to bed, they put me to bed.” Neville added: “Even when you have a day off you have got to do the right thing, look after ­yourself and eat the right food. “You’ve got to live the perfect way. “It’s not just about what you do on the training pitch it’s about controlling every single aspect of your life. You can’t have any ­distractions. I don’t have any spare time in my life to do anything other than to prepare myself to play football. “In fact, the older you get the ­harder you have to prepare. “I can’t even afford to have a day off any more because if I take it as one day I am absolutely dead the following day.”

Bolton Wanderers 2 Everton 0
Monday, 14 February 2011
Belfast Tetegraph
Most footballers would imagine "pathetic fallacy" is a phrase uttered by Alan Hansen to describe a defender who fails to pick up his marker. However, had David Moyes peered through the Reebok's girders, he would have seen the mist, the rain and the night streaming down from Winter Hill and it would have exactly matched the Everton manager's mood. Should they fail to overcome Chelsea in the FA Cup on Saturday, Everton's season will have petered out by mid-February. For a club tipped by Sir Alex Ferguson to be the "dark horses" of this Premier League campaign, that is a depressing scenario. Here, they were utterly outplayed. If northern clubs had a southern equivalent, Everton's would be Tottenham and yet they are funded like Fulham. Bill Kenwright, the man who holds the purse strings at Goodison Park, is a theatrical impresario and the phrase the "show must go on" is in his blood. However, he must know that were this a West End production, Everton: the Musical would have closed a long time ago. "That was the poorest performance I have seen in my time here," said Moyes who is in his ninth year at Goodison. "We gave away two really poor goals. It wasn't as if Bolton had opened us up with their good play. We didn't win the big challenges. We had players who have had the poorest game I've ever seen them have. The team spirit and the toughness were are known for wasn't there. "I select the team, it is up to me; maybe I have gone a bit soft on them but before today we have been on not a bad run – not great but not bad – but today's was as bad as I can remember." However, too many matches in that "not a bad run" have been drawn and this morning Everton are three points above a relegation place. Asked if he thought his club were in a relegation fight, Moyes gave a rare, thin smile and replied: "I have thought that from week three."
There were grievances. Louis Saha, who had scored four times against Blackpool the previous weekend, was injured and Moyes thought the award of the free-kick that led to Bolton's opener "scandalous". When Stuart Holden took it, Gary Cahill's header deflected off Johnny Heitinga's shoulder to leave Tim Howard stranded. There the mitigation ends. Bolton were slicker, shaper and, in bringing in Daniel Sturridge on loan from Chelsea, they had done some decent business in the January transfer window, something that was beyond Everton. The striker has found the net three times in as many games and when he shaped to shoot as the ball ran loose in the area, the Reebok Stadium was already celebrating the decisive goal. They might have won by more. The referee's assistant correctly judged that the ball had crossed the byline when Sturridge back-heeled it into Holden's path for the American to thunder home. But then Sturridge and Johan Elmander had each gone close with shots that slammed into the electronic advertising boards. Only the sight of Zat Knight being carried off on a stretcher after a brave tackle on Victor Anichebe gave Bolton manager Owen Coyle cause for concern. Last season, Arsenal had sent Jack Wilshere to spend some time at Bolton, a confirmation of Arsène Wenger's faith in Coyle's methods. Wilshere was in the stands yesterday and Chelsea will hope Sturridge's game might be brought on in the same way. The striker had to haul himself out of bed at five in the morning on transfer deadline day to sign for Bolton and he has arrived far better than he travelled. Subs: Bolton Wheater 7 (Knight, 28), Lee 6 (Taylor, 59), Muamba 6 (Sturridge, 90). Unused Bogdan (gk), Petrov, Klasnic, Moreno. Everton Osman 5 (Coleman, 61), Beckford 5 (Bilyaletdinov, 61), Baxter 6 (Anichebe, 78) Unused Mucha (gk), Hibbert, Jagielka, Duffy.

Bolton 2-0 Everton: Daily Mirror match report
13/02/11 By David Anderson
Gary Cahill’s joy at scoring Bolton’s opener and having a hand in their other was in stark contrast to Tim Cahill’s afternoon. For the blue Cahill there was only the misery of missing a sitter he would normally bury as Everton’s woeful campaign splutters on. It was little surprise that a Cahill should score at the Reebok, but most punters would have backed the prolific Aussie rather than Bolton’s England centre-half. But it was Gary Cahill who made the breakthrough with his first goal in 13 months since the opening days of Owen Coyle’s reign. The scorer of Wanderers’ second was less of a shock as Daniel Sturridge became their first player since Michael Ricketts in 2001 to score on his opening three league appearances for the club. Coyle looks like he has pulled off another transfer coup in securing the striker on loan from Chelsea and his pace and eye for goal have given Bolton a new dimension up front. Not everyone at the Reebok is enamoured with him and Johan Elmander did not join in Sturridge’s goal celebrations after bickering openly with him. Coyle won’t worry as long as Sturridge keeps scoring and Bolton keep winning and what is only their second victory in 10 attempts over Everton maintains their Euro dream. For Everton the agony continues and after smashing five past Blackpool last weekend, they never looked like scoring and looked bereft of confidence. Cahill wasted their best chance and they were totally toothless up front without the injured Louis Saha. They were second best in every department and were caught napping when Bolton opened the scoring on 10 minutes. Stuart Holden delivered a deep free-kick, for a disputed foul by Victor Anichebe on Paul Robinson, from the left and Cahill glanced a header home off John Heitinga’s right arm to register his first goal since January 2010. The goal briefly jolted Everton into action and Leighton Baines, who has got to be a strong candidate for the PFA’s team of the year at left-back, whipped over a perfect cross, which Cahill knocked wide. Ironically, just as one Cahill’s scoring touch returned, it deserted the other. Gary Cahill’s defensive partner Zat Knight also had a bad afternoon and after playing every minute of Bolton’s previous 50 league games, his afternoon ended prematurely before the half-hour mark when he injured his right knee challenging Anichebe.
Tim Cahill’s miserable afternoon continued when he missed another opportunity before Sturridge showed him how it’s done midway through the second half. Gary Cahill made a nuisance of himself in the box at a free-kick and Chung-Yong Lee headed the ball on for Sturridge to fire home his 10th goal in his last 10 starts for Bolton and Chelsea. David Moyes’ thunderous expression said it all and like every Evertonian he must be wondering when they will finally start this season as they continue to hover just three points above the drop zone. They should have lost by more and Sturridge set up Holden to rifle home a third on 79 minutes with a brilliant backheel, only for referee Lee Probert to rule wrongly that the ball had crossed the line. If this had been a fight, the referee would have stopped it before the end and with Everton dead on their feet, Elmander whistled a drive narrowly wide.

Bolton Wanderers v Everton -
The Guardian
Bolton Wanderers 2 Cahill 10, Sturridge 67 Everton 0
Monday feb 14 2011
That Owen Coyle's a crafty character. Bolton were the early front-runners for this season's Media Darling award, wowing neutrals with their carefree approach, Coyle getting his side playing a brand of free-flowing football that was extremely easy on the eye. In December, Bolton were sixth and were even in with a sniff of a Champions League place. Johan Elmander was doing something Johan Elmander hadn't done since 1983 and was scoring goals, including a sublime, solo goal-of-the-season contender during a 3-2 victory away to Wolves. Behind the veil though, all was not well and Bolton's chairman, cuddly Phil Gartside, admitted, with a suitably heavy heart, the world's smallest violin playing the world's saddest song in the background, that the club may have to cash in on Elmander and Gary Cahill. Since when Coyle has hit upon a novel solution to this pernickety little dilemma: Cahill has stopped doing defending, Elmander has stopped doing goals and Bolton have stopped doing wins. In their last home game, they lost 4-0 to Chelsea and what could be more embarrassing than that these days? The January transfer window passed, Daniel Sturridge came in, and Cahill and Elmander went nowhere. Some call it wanton sabotage. Others will merely hail it as another example of Coyle's saintly managerial powers. Of course, Coyle has done a terrific job, but his opposite number today, David Moyes, provides a pointed example of a manager who is all too aware about The Premier League's infamous glass ceiling. Smaller clubs reach sixth and then they realise they have nowhere left to go, not unlike Heroes after the excellent first series (seriously, what sort of utter buffoon creates an array of main characters who can't die? A special sort of buffoon, that's what). For years Everton pounded against the class barrier and all it's left them with is two black eyes and a sore head. Personally I find their slide down the table rather distressing, another tick in the pro column for those weighing up a lifetime of nihilism. Money, money, money. That's what it's all about these days and if you don't have it, you can forget about quaint old things like loyalty, prudence and careful team-building. Modern football, eh? In theory, this should be an entertaining game today though. Bolton have been good to watch all season and Everton scored five goals last week. And Louis Saha scored four of them. He's bang in form, that one, with six goals in his last three games. It's a shame he's out with a hamstring injury then. His career in microcosm, a brief spurt of splendid form followed by another muscle twang. I once read in an article in Shoot Magazine that "If is a small word with a big meaning". That line seems strangely appropriate now.
Bolton (4-4-2): Jaaskelainen; Ricketts, Cahill, Knight, Robinson; Elmander, Mark Davies, Holden, Taylor; Kevin Davies, Sturridge. Subs: Bogdan, Muamba, Petrov, Klasnic, Moreno, Lee, Wheater.
Everton (4-4-1-1): Howard; Neville, Heitinga, Distin, Baines; Coleman, Arteta, Fellaini, Bilyaletdinov; Cahill; Anichebe. Subs: Mucha, Hibbert, Jagielka, Beckford, Osman, Duffy, Baxter.
Referee: Lee Probert (Wiltshire)

Moyes blasts slipshod Everton after 'poorest performance'
Bolton Wanderers 2 Everton 0
By Tim Rich at the Reebok Stadium
Monday, 14 February 2011
The Independent
Most footballers would imagine "pathetic fallacy" is a phrase uttered by Alan Hansen to describe a defender who fails to pick up his marker. However, had David Moyes peered through the Reebok's girders, he would have seen the mist, the rain and the night streaming down from Winter Hill and it would have exactly matched the Everton manager's mood. Should they fail to overcome Chelsea in the FA Cup on Saturday, Everton's season will have petered out by mid-February. For a club tipped by Sir Alex Ferguson to be the "dark horses" of this Premier League campaign, that is a depressing scenario. Here, they were utterly outplayed. If northern clubs had a southern equivalent, Everton's would be Tottenham and yet they are funded like Fulham. Bill Kenwright, the man who holds the purse strings at Goodison Park, is a theatrical impresario and the phrase the "show must go on" is in his blood. However, he must know that were this a West End production, Everton: the Musical would have closed a long time ago. "That was the poorest performance I have seen in my time here," said Moyes who is in his ninth year at Goodison. "We gave away two really poor goals. It wasn't as if Bolton had opened us up with their good play. We didn't win the big challenges. We had players who have had the poorest game I've ever seen them have. The team spirit and the toughness were are known for wasn't there. "I select the team, it is up to me; maybe I have gone a bit soft on them but before today we have been on not a bad run – not great but not bad – but today's was as bad as I can remember." However, too many matches in that "not a bad run" have been drawn and this morning Everton are three points above a relegation place. Asked if he thought his club were in a relegation fight, Moyes gave a rare, thin smile and replied: "I have thought that from week three."
There were grievances. Louis Saha, who had scored four times against Blackpool the previous weekend, was injured and Moyes thought the award of the free-kick that led to Bolton's opener "scandalous". When Stuart Holden took it, Gary Cahill's header deflected off Johnny Heitinga's shoulder to leave Tim Howard stranded. There the mitigation ends. Bolton were slicker, shaper and, in bringing in Daniel Sturridge on loan from Chelsea, they had done some decent business in the January transfer window, something that was beyond Everton. The striker has found the net three times in as many games and when he shaped to shoot as the ball ran loose in the area, the Reebok Stadium was already celebrating the decisive goal. They might have won by more. The referee's assistant correctly judged that the ball had crossed the byline when Sturridge back-heeled it into Holden's path for the American to thunder home. But then Sturridge and Johan Elmander had each gone close with shots that slammed into the electronic advertising boards. Only the sight of Zat Knight being carried off on a stretcher after a brave tackle on Victor Anichebe gave Bolton manager Owen Coyle cause for concern. Last season, Arsenal had sent Jack Wilshere to spend some time at Bolton, a confirmation of Arsène Wenger's faith in Coyle's methods. Wilshere was in the stands yesterday and Chelsea will hope Sturridge's game might be brought on in the same way. The striker had to haul himself out of bed at five in the morning on transfer deadline day to sign for Bolton and he has arrived far better than he travelled.
Subs: Bolton Wheater 7 (Knight, 28), Lee 6 (Taylor, 59), Muamba 6 (Sturridge, 90). Unused Bogdan (gk), Petrov, Klasnic, Moreno. Everton Osman 5 (Coleman, 61), Beckford 5 (Bilyaletdinov, 61), Baxter 6 (Anichebe, 78) Unused Mucha (gk), Hibbert, Jagielka, Duffy.
Booked: Bolton Elmander.
Man of the match Sturridge Match rating 7/10.
Possession Bolton 47% Everton 53%.
Attempts on target Bolton 6 Everton 4.
Referee L Probert (South Gloucs) Att 22,986.

England cry-offs ‘disgraceful’ says Everton FC skipper Phil Neville
Liverpool Echo
Feb 14 2011
PHIL NEVILLE has claimed the new generation of English players are lacking the necessary desire to get to the top.The Everton captain branded the situation ‘disgraceful’ after 12 players pulled out of the England Under-21 international against Italy last week. “It really saddened me to look at the England Under-21 squad and see 12 pull-outs, when you have a situation where the full national manager is looking to blood and build a fresh young England team,” Neville said. “I find it disgraceful. I felt ashamed that players who have dropped down from the England team to the Under-21s are pulling out of friendly games against Italy. “I don’t see those matches as friendly games at all. It was Italy away from home for England – you should want to play in that game.” Neville says there are exceptions, including rising England star Jack Wilshere, who made his first start for the senior team against Denmark this week. “You look at James Milner – who turned up every time he was picked for the Under-21s – and I think Jamie Carragher played something like 40-odd times for the Under-21s,” he said. “It’s something to do with hunger, desire, something wanting to get to the top. “The dying breed of players like Carragher, (Steven) Gerrard, me and my brother Gary – maybe we wanted it more than some of the younger generation do. But there are younger players who do want it. I look at the way Jack Wilshere plays and I see the hunger in his eyes – you can just see it.”

Abject Everton FC beaten by Bolton
Liverpool Echo
Feb 14 2011
“I have thought we were in a relegation battle since the third week of the season, but I think we can get out of it with the players we have got.” DAVID MOYES refused to hide from the harsh reality of this floundering season. “We knew Everton were on a terrific run of form and we would have to be at our best to beat them. We were. It’s always good when players you bring in like Daniel Sturridge and David Wheater do well.” OWEN COYLE. WHEN David Moyes joked before this game that Owen Coyle had never scored against a defence he was commanding in their playing days, a flash of that ultra competitive glint played across his eyes. It’s a quality his players would do well to recapture. Even at 47, the Everton manager could probably have defended Bolton’s brace of goals better. Because while just three points separated Everton and Bolton before kick-off at the Reebok stadium, by the end there seemed to be an ocean of defensive resilience and attacking spark between the two sides. It was an abject defeat that suggested the quality gap between the two sides is larger than it actually is. But even if you believe the Toffees squad is stronger on paper than the Lancashire club’s, it is Wanderers who sit eighth in the Premier League today while Everton linger three points away from the relegation zone. Any optimism generated by the stylish 5-3 win over Blackpool at Goodison prior to this was washed away in the incessant, slate-grey rain. Everton were behind after just 10 minutes in woeful circumstances but there was injustice in the build-up to the opening set-back. Inexplicably, Victor Anichebe was judged to have fouled Paul Robinson on Everton’s right flank when the decision should have been reversed. But even so Stuart Holden’s set piece caused undue problems, as Gary Cahill out-jumped the Toffees defence and connected with a firm header that clipped John Heitinga on its way past a despairing Tim Howard. Bolton, spurred on by a noisy home support, continued to pile forward after their goal and subsequently left gaps that suggested Everton’s misery may have been short-lived. Indeed the Blues had a perfect chance to level when Leighton Baines, who was in acres of space, whipped a pinpoint cross into Tim Cahill who evaded his namesake but skewed a weak shot wide. Huddled together in a vain effort to stay dry, the frazzled away supporters would have been forgiven for cursing, not for the first time, Louis Saha’s brittle body. The in-form Frenchman would probably have buried the chance had he been available. Instead, Saha’s ham-strings have forced him out of the reckoning for a while again, just when he seemed intent on finishing the season in fine fettle. Equally Moyes was denied from naming an unchanged line-up from the Blackpool victory by that depressing injury to Jack Rodwell on England duty last week. By comparison Owen Coyle had the happy head-ache of fitting January loan signing Daniel Sturridge into an attacking formation which already included the undoubted effectiveness of Kevin Davies, and the work-rate of Johan Elmander Elmander was causing problems for Everton, drifting dangerously in from the right and finding space between Phil Neville and John Heitinga. Everton, however, were also finding spaces in Bolton’s rearguard, and Mikel Arteta set Victor Anichebe through on goal with a slide-rule pass only for a heroic intervention from Zat Knight which resulted in his game ending prematurely thanks to a jarred knee. Possession was shared evenly for the rest of the half, but while Moyes’ side tried to pass the ball, they struggled to find a focal point in attack. With Anichebe receiving little in the way of decent service, the Blues had to wait 41 minutes for their first shot on target, when Jaaskelainen comfortably collected Arteta’s curled effort from outside the area. The Blues saw out the half on the back foot, as Bolton snatched at a couple of half chances from corners, and Everton’s primary cause for concern continued to be the ease at which Elmander was drifting inside unchecked. As consistently excellent as ever, Leighton Baines was Everton’s most potent attacking outlet, and the quality of his deliveries was crying out for a finish. As the game progressed though, the chances of it seemed unlikely. At least Marouane Fellaini briefly looked to have woken from his first half slumber, and started making a nuisance of himself in the second period; getting in the faces of Bolton players and roughing up Stuart Holden and Matt Taylor in particular. Everton desperately needed fresh momentum though, and Moyes rang the changes with half an hour left. Diniyar Bilyaletdinov had been struggling to make an impact on the left and made way for Leon Osman, as Seamus Coleman was also sacrificed for Jermaine Beckford’s pace. Unfortunately the re-shuffle failed to prevent Bolton doubling their lead. Again it was uncharacteristically weak defending which undid the Blues. Bolton pumped the ball forward, and as Heitinga slipped, Cahill scooped the ball up for Lee to spring above Baines. As Everton’s defence watched, Daniel Sturridge latched onto the South Korean’s header to almost tear a hole in the net with a lightening finish. Moyes stared disconsolately from the dug-out, forumulating the conclusion that his side’s alarming lack of spirit and edge is yet another headache in a season of woe. Shortly afterwards Anichebe left a contest he had rarely enlivened to allow Jose Baxter a deserved chance to show what he can do. But gain the change only prompted a Bolton goal, albeit one disallowed when Sturridge was judged to have run the ball out before setting up Holden’s strike. Television replays showed that Lee Probert had favoured the Blues this time, but the let-off never looked likely to spark a fight-back. Everton’s manager deemed it as poorly as his side have played in his near nine year reign. But the Blues have staggered through games this season in a similarly sloppy vein; remember the trip to Stoke City? Without a clean sheet in 11 games now, the Blues boss will be desperate to stop his defence leaking so damagingly. If they do not tighten-up by next Saturday’s FA Cup replay against Chelsea, perhaps the last chance to rescue something meaningful from this campaign, the three remaining months of the season could feel like years. A forgiving league table that once afforded numerous avenues for redemption is settling into more consistency. Everton could do with finding some themselves before it’s too late.
BOLTON (4-4-2): Jaaskelainen, Ricketts, Knight (Wheater, 28) Cahill, Robinson, Elmander, Holden, Taylor (Lee, 60) Davies, Sturridge (Muamba, 90) Davies (capt). Subs not used: Bogdan, Petrov, Klasnic, Rodrigo.
EVERTON (4-4-1-1): Howard, Neville (capt), Distin, Heitinga, Baines, Fellaini, Cahill, Arteta, Coleman (Beckford, 61) Bilyaletdinov (Osman, 61), Anichebe (Baxter, 78). Subs not used: Mucha, Hibbert, Jagielka, Duffy.
GOALS: Cahill (10), Sturridge (67)
CARDS: Elmander.
REFEREE: Lee Probert
ATTENDANCE: 22,986.

Bolton match one of the worst performances of my Everton FC reign - David Moyes
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
Feb 14 2011
FURIOUS David Moyes described his side’s woeful defeat by Bolton Wanderers as one of the worst performances of his Everton reign. The Toffees boss questioned the traditionally-strong team spirit of his players in the aftermath of the 2-0 defeat at the Reebok stadium, which leaves them just three points from the drop-zone. Moyes, who saw his side fall behind after just 10 minutes thanks to the poor defending which has dogged their recent games, believes it’s time he toughened-up on his faltering stars. He said: “The performance was as bad as I can remember since I have been in charge. “We never started well and gave away two very poor goals and we didn’t win the big challenges. We didn’t function today. The sort of toughness we have, which was required, just wasn’t there. “Bolton deserve the credit but I don’t think it was because we were opened up by particularly good football. “The onus was on Everton to get the ball and do that but we didn’t do it. We didn’t compete hard enough. “The free-kick was a scandalous decision which went against us, but we have been built on a toughness about us but I didn’t think it was on show today.” Moyes refused to blame injuries to Louis Saha and Jack Rodwell for his side’s shocking display. “I am not talking about the boys who are injured because that happens in football and you just have to put up with it,” he said. “But we had players who have been playing well all season who had probably the poorest game I have seen them have. “I put the players on the pitch and pick the team. I selected them so it is up to me too keep the fundamentals in them. “Maybe I have just gone a bit soft on them and maybe need to toughen up a bit more.” The Scot, however, admitted that he expected far better of his team in light of their impressive win over Blackpool last weekend.He said: “But we need to remember that, before today, we have not been in too bad a run. I am not saying we have been great but we haven’t been bad.”

I need to get tough with my players, says Everton FC manager David Moyes after defeat at Bolton
by Ian Doyle, Liverpool Daily Post Feb 14 2011
DAVID MOYES believes he needs to get tough on his Everton players after watching them slip to dire defeat at Bolton Wanderers. Moyes’s men posted a dreadful performance as goals from Gary Cahill and on-loan Daniel Sturridge sent the visitors tumbling to a 2-0 defeat. It was a feeble effort from the Goodison outfit, who were a resounding second best throughout and now stand just three points above the relegation zone. And Moyes suggested he may have “gone a bit soft” on his players while warning them to expect a difficult time on the Finch Farm training fields this week. “We have been built on a toughness about us but I didn’t think it was on show today,” said the Everton manager. “I put the players on the pitch and pick the team. I selected them so it is up to me to keep the fundamentals in them. “Maybe I have just gone a bit soft on them and maybe need to toughen up a bit more.”Moyes added: “That was probably the poorest performance I can remember in a long time. In saying that, we conceded two bad goals that I hope we would not have done. Overall, it was not good enough. “We never got started. We had a bit of the ball before half-time with one or two half-chances but we were never really at the races. “I’m not fed up, but I was fed up with watching them with the way they played, but I am the manager and pick the team and the tactics and it did not work.” Meanwhile Bolton manager Owen Coyle played down talk of securing Sturridge, who scored his third goal in three matches since his loan move from Chelsea, on a permanent deal. “That’s a discussion for May,” he said. “Chelsea certainly have some of the world’s finest strikers and Daniel, I believe, can really push himself into that category if he continues to develop. “He looks as if he’s enjoying himself when he’s playing. He lights the stadium up when he receives the ball because you think something exciting is going to happen.” Coyle was thrilled to pick up three points yesterday. He said: “We knew we would have to be at a very high intensity to stop them playing because of their quality, and I felt we did that. “Having done that, we moved the ball very well ourselves. “I thought it was a terrific advertisement for the Barclays Premier League and I’m delighted to get the three points.”

Bolton Wanderers 2 Everton FC 0: Nowhere near good enough as Goodison woes continue
by Ian Doyle, Liverpool Daily Post
Feb 14 2011
Despair for Mikel Arteta as Everton lose at BoltonWHEN, on Friday, David Moyes enthused over the job Owen Coyle has done at Bolton Wanderers, he probably wasn’t expecting his players to help underline the fact 48 hours later. After a difficult week both on and off the field, Everton continued to test the patience of their supporters as they slumped to a truly abject defeat at the Reebok Stadium. Never mind the wayward passing, the woeful defending and the worrying attack. The most alarming aspect of this performance was the lack of fight, desire and spirit shown by Moyes’s men. Having only days earlier seen concerns over the financial state of the club confirmed by the latest set of club accounts, the fretful Goodison faithful were desperately seeking some reassurance. It wasn’t forthcoming. From the first whistle, Everton were second best, slow to react and lethargic, the polar opposite of the enthusiastic, energised showing that earned a thrilling comeback win against Blackpool the previous weekend. Yes, the threat of the in-form Louis Saha was sorely missed in attack, the visitors’ insipid efforts going forward offering little encouragement for the forthcoming FA Cup fourth round replay at Chelsea. But even the Frenchman couldn’t have salvaged this car-crash of a display, Everton’s worst since the New Year’s Day defeat at Stoke City and one Moyes rightly believes is a contender for most pathetic of his entire nine-year reign. All across the park, his players simply failed to perform. Even the usually reliable figures of Marouane Fellaini and Tim Cahill were dragged down by the malaise around them, only Leighton Baines able to look his unhappy manager in the eye in the dressing room afterwards. A calamitous early goal from Gary Cahill that went in off John Heitinga set the tone for a truly forgettable afternoon that was already heading for defeat long before Daniel Sturridge netted Bolton’s second, and his third in as many games, midway through the second half. Both goals owed much to poor defending, Everton now having kept just one clean sheet in their last 18 games. Sturridge, of course, is on loan at the Reebok Stadium from Chelsea. Which begs the question – how come Bolton can attract such a temporary signing while Everton, with Moyes in dire need of striking reinforcements, cannot? Answers on a postcard, please, to Mr Bill Kenwright. With this being only a fifth defeat in 21 league games, there’s no need to press any panic buttons. But Everton continue to flirt with the relegation zone, just three points clear of 18th-placed Wigan Athletic. The injury-enforced absences of Saha and Jack Rodwell meant Moyes was compelled to make two changes from the team that defeated Blackpool 5-3 last week, Cahill handed a first start since his return from the Asian Cup while Victor Anichebe was preferred ahead of Jermaine Beckford in attack. Surprisingly, Cahill began the game as a direct replacement for Rodwell in centre midfield, with Mikel Arteta continuing in a more advanced role. It was an approach that lasted all of a quarter-of-an-hour before Cahill reverted to his more accustomed role. By then, however, Everton had fallen behind. The warning signs had already been there with a listless opening that allowed Bolton to dominate the early exchanges, and in the 10th minute the hosts were ahead in alarmingly simple if somewhat unfortunate circumstances. Anichebe was wrongly adjudged by referee Lee Probert to have fouled Paul Robinson some 40 yards out on the Bolton left. The curling delivery from Stuart Holden should have been meat and drink to the Everton defence, but Gary Cahill was left unmarked for a free header that struck Heitinga’s arm on the way past Tim Howard. It epitomised a difficult afternoon for Heitinga, who struggled with the pace and movement of Bolton’s front duo Sturridge and Kevin Davies. With Phil Jagielka once again restricted to bench duty, the pressure must surely be on the Dutchman’s first-team place. He won’t be the only one. Moyes’s men slowly roused themselves and should have equalised on 17 minutes when an excellent curling cross from deep from Baines was whipped to the far post where Cahill, edging ahead of his Bolton namesake, hit his volley into the floor and the ball bounced agonisingly over the crossbar. A sliderule Arteta pass played Anichebe in six minutes later only for Zat Knight to race back and make a decisive sliding challenge. The Bolton defender injured his knee in the process and, after a long stoppage, eventually left the field on a stretcher. That delay upset the rhythm of the game, and it took Everton until the 41st minute to have their first shot on target when, after Fellaini failed to get his shot away, the ball fell for Arteta to curl an effort at Bolton goalkeeper Juusi Jaaskelainen. And moments later a lightning break out of defence appeared hugely promising for the visitors until Diniyar Bilyaletdinov played the final pass too far behind Seamus Coleman and the chance was lost. The Russian was disappointing on the left flank and it was no surprise to see his number called shortly past the hour as Moyes sought to inject fresh energy and focus. Instead, Everton became even worse. And Bolton’s second goal midway through the second half was just as avoidable as their first with the visitors twice spurning opportunities to clear the ball. After Heitinga slipped as he challenged with Cahill for a punt into the box, the Bolton player scooped the ball up into the air, substitute Chung-Yong Lee beat Baines to the header and possession dropped invitingly for Sturridge at the far post to fire impressively across Howard into the bottom corner. Bolton almost had a third on 79 minutes but the ball was correctly ruled to have crossed the byline before Sturridge’s clever backheel gave Holden the chance to finish emphatically into the roof of the net. The jeers from the away end at the final whistle spoke volumes. This was nowhere near good enough. Nowhere near good enough at all.

VERDICT: Bolton Wanderers 2 Everton 0
Monday 14th February 2011
By Marc Iles (The Bolton News)
WHOEVER said January is a difficult time to find bargains in the Premier League has obviously never spoken to Owen Coyle. This victory, capped by a third goal in as many games by Daniel Sturridge, and driven by a near perfect performance from fellow January freebie Stuart Holden is testament to the fact that you can still find the right player without spending extortionate amounts of cash. While the rest of the top flight continue to spend money like it’s going out of fashion, recession-busting Wanderers can take great heart from the fact that their success over the last 12 months has been built largely around players who cost next to nothing. Loan signing Sturridge could hardly get a look in at Stamford Bridge but took his tally to an impressive 10 goals in 10 starts for Chelsea and Wanderers when he doubled the Whites’ lead midway through the second half. His stay might only be temporary – but if he can return to West London having made the same progress as Jack Wilshere, who watched his former team-mates from the stands at the Reebok, then top clubs will be queueing around the block to send their prodigies to what is rapidly becoming the Premier League’s classiest finishing school. In Holden too, Coyle has discovered a gem. Flanked by the ever-improving Mark Davies, the American can now stand toe-to-toe with any midfielder in the land after making giant strides over the last 12 months. Now rid of the spectre of the transfer window, if Wanderers can keep Holden, Gary Cahill and the other leading players in top form, then all the pre-Christmas talk of Europe won’t be far from our lips once again. By comparison, Everton never managed to get a foothold in the game, much like they have failed to get their season off the ground some 27 games in. It took the Whites just 10 minutes to get the ball rolling, albeit with a large slice of good fortune. When Gary Cahill netted his seventh goal of the season against Arsenal at the Emirates last January, he would never have expected to wait a year until his next one. Despite all the plaudits that have come his way, the England centre half desperately needed to kick-start what used to be a reliable contribution, so it was with some relief that he saw his header from Stuart Holden’s cross take a big deflection off John Heitinga, leaving Tim Howard rooted to the spot as the ball bounced over the line. Coyle opted to stick with the same side that performed well at Tottenham the previous weekend, meaning Johan Elmander continued his exile on the right wing. It is a position the Swedish striker has become accustomed to for his national team, who have tended to use target man Zlatan Ibrahimovic down the middle, and one that does utilise his workrate, if not necessarily the 10 goals he has managed this season for the Whites. It made for interesting viewing, then, that after getting his wires crossed on a one-two with Sturridge shortly after the opening goal, that the pair were still arguing 15 minutes later. It has been an interesting week for Elmander, whose comments whilst on international duty did not go unnoticed in the corridors of power at the Reebok. With a second round of contract talks imminent, his “obligation” to the Whites will undoubtedly be discussed at length. Despite missing Louis Saha and Jack Rodwell, Everton had been given a boost with the return of Tim Cahill from international duty at the Asia Cup. The normally reliable goal-getter must have left his shooting boots in Qatar, however, judging by his woeful finish from Leighton Baines’ pinpoint cross 17 minutes in. Wanderers were then forced into a defensive change after Zat Knight tweaked his knee making a well timed challenge on Victor Agocoming on to make a successful Premier League debut for the club, once he had adjusted to the pace of the game. David Moyes pushed Cahill further forward at that point to go in search of an equaliser but Wanderers’ resolve held firm. Jussi Jaaskelainen rushed off his line to snatch Marouane Fellaini’s through ball under the nose of Seamus Coleman, but otherwise remained untroubled as the Whites took a deserved lead into the break. Matt Taylor has kept Martin Petrov out of the side on the left of midfield in recent weeks but struggled with his final ball all afternoon. One free kick – very much in Taylor territory – was driven straight into the wall early in the second half, and while a change was hardly unexpected, the fact it was Chung-Yong Lee and not Petrov who came off the bench perhaps was something of a surprise. The Korean had an immediate effect, and eight minutes after his arrival the Whites had doubled their lead. After Everton had struggled to clear their lines, Paul Robinson kept the pressure on with a long ball; both Cahill and Chung-Yong won their successive battles, and a chance fell to Sturridge, who still had plenty of work do do before lashing his shot past Howard from an angle. It was a finish of real quality and one that knocked the wind out of the visitors’ sails. Everton had no answer and while their performance to that point at least had an element of threat about it, that virtually disappeared in the last 20 minutes of the game. Wanderers probably should have gone on to make it more. Had it not been for the linesman’s flag, Holden would have had a brilliant goal to remember the afternoon by – as he smashed home Sturridge’s audacious back-heel from the by-line only for the official to rule it had already crossed the line. Sturridge went close to snatching a third with an opportunistic effort from the edge of the box, and given the way the visitors had caved in at that point, it would have been no more than they deserved.

Moyes blasts slipshod Everton after 'poorest performance'
Bolton Wanderers 2 Everton 0
By Tim Rich at the Reebok Stadium
Monday, 14 February 2011
The IndependentMost footballers would imagine "pathetic fallacy" is a phrase uttered by Alan Hansen to describe a defender who fails to pick up his marker. However, had David Moyes peered through the Reebok's girders, he would have seen the mist, the rain and the night streaming down from Winter Hill and it would have exactly matched the Everton manager's mood. Should they fail to overcome Chelsea in the FA Cup on Saturday, Everton's season will have petered out by mid-February. For a club tipped by Sir Alex Ferguson to be the "dark horses" of this Premier League campaign, that is a depressing scenario. Here, they were utterly outplayed. If northern clubs had a southern equivalent, Everton's would be Tottenham and yet they are funded like Fulham. Bill Kenwright, the man who holds the purse strings at Goodison Park, is a theatrical impresario and the phrase the "show must go on" is in his blood. However, he must know that were this a West End production, Everton: the Musical would have closed a long time ago. "That was the poorest performance I have seen in my time here," said Moyes who is in his ninth year at Goodison. "We gave away two really poor goals. It wasn't as if Bolton had opened us up with their good play. We didn't win the big challenges. We had players who have had the poorest game I've ever seen them have. The team spirit and the toughness were are known for wasn't there. "I select the team, it is up to me; maybe I have gone a bit soft on them but before today we have been on not a bad run – not great but not bad – but today's was as bad as I can remember." However, too many matches in that "not a bad run" have been drawn and this morning Everton are three points above a relegation place. Asked if he thought his club were in a relegation fight, Moyes gave a rare, thin smile and replied: "I have thought that from week three." There were grievances. Louis Saha, who had scored four times against Blackpool the previous weekend, was injured and Moyes thought the award of the free-kick that led to Bolton's opener "scandalous". When Stuart Holden took it, Gary Cahill's header deflected off Johnny Heitinga's shoulder to leave Tim Howard stranded. There the mitigation ends. Bolton were slicker, shaper and, in bringing in Daniel Sturridge on loan from Chelsea, they had done some decent business in the January transfer window, something that was beyond Everton. The striker has found the net three times in as many games and when he shaped to shoot as the ball ran loose in the area, the Reebok Stadium was already celebrating the decisive goal. They might have won by more. The referee's assistant correctly judged that the ball had crossed the byline when Sturridge back-heeled it into Holden's path for the American to thunder home. But then Sturridge and Johan Elmander had each gone close with shots that slammed into the electronic advertising boards. Only the sight of Zat Knight being carried off on a stretcher after a brave tackle on Victor Anichebe gave Bolton manager Owen Coyle cause for concern. Last season, Arsenal had sent Jack Wilshere to spend some time at Bolton, a confirmation of Arsène Wenger's faith in Coyle's methods. Wilshere was in the stands yesterday and Chelsea will hope Sturridge's game might be brought on in the same way. The striker had to haul himself out of bed at five in the morning on transfer deadline day to sign for Bolton and he has arrived far better than he travelled. Subs: Bolton Wheater 7 (Knight, 28), Lee 6 (Taylor, 59), Muamba 6 (Sturridge, 90). Unused Bogdan (gk), Petrov, Klasnic, Moreno. Everton Osman 5 (Coleman, 61), Beckford 5 (Bilyaletdinov, 61), Baxter 6 (Anichebe, 78) Unused Mucha (gk), Hibbert, Jagielka, Duffy. Booked: Bolton Elmander.
Man of the match Sturridge Match rating 7/10.
Possession Bolton 47% Everton 53%.
Attempts on target Bolton 6 Everton 4.
Referee L Probert (South Gloucs) Att 22,986.

Phil Neville says Everton have a duty to cause FA Cup upset at Chelsea• Fans deserve something to shout about, says Neville
• 'We have got to pick ourselves up against Chelsea'
Andy Hunter guardian.
15 February 2011 The Guardian
Phil Neville has admitted Everton need to produce an FA Cup upset at Chelsea on Saturday to compensate their supporters for the atrocious performance against Bolton Wanderers. The FA Cup represents the last chance of redemption for Everton, who face a fourth-round replay at Stamford Bridge, in a season that is drifting towards a fight for Premier League survival. David Moyes's side are just three points clear of the relegation zone having produced what their manager described as the worst performance of his nine-year tenure in Sunday's 2-0 defeat at the Reebok. Moyes took full responsibility for the Bolton debacle but Neville, the Everton captain, insisted the players share culpability and owe it to the club's supporters to deliver a vast improvement at the home of the champions. "It is a collective thing," said Neville. "It wasn't good enough and we don't need anyone to tell us that it wasn't good enough. We have got an FA Cup tie at the weekend and we have got to pick ourselves up. We are going to take a lot of supporters down to London and we need to give them something to shout about because one win and then a couple of losses isn't good enough."
The Everton manager was incensed by Sunday's abject display and openly questioned the attitude and commitment of a team who have delivered only six wins in 26 league games this season. Louis Saha, the club's in-form striker, will again be absent against Chelsea with a hamstring injury suffered in training last week. Neville added: "The bottom line is we didn't perform. We all take responsibility and that wasn't good enough. We need to be better. We have an outstanding group of players but we just didn't produce."

Jordan Barrow on target to help table-toppers Everton under-18s bounce back
by Chris Wright, Liverpool Daily Post
Feb 15 2011
JORDAN BARROW’S second-half strike was enough to help Everton under-18s bounce back from two defeats with a 1-0 victory at Stoke City on Saturday. Neil Dewsnip’s side had already got defeats in the FA Premier Academy League Group C and FA Youth Cup out of their system with a Liverpool Senior Cup win at Marine in midweek. But Saturday’s victory in the Potteries firmly confirmed them back on course and maintained their position at the head of the Group C table in the Academy League. Nine of the players who had beaten Marine started at the weekend with top scorer Hallum Hope and keeper Conor Roberts returning to the line-up at Stoke. The home side had the best of the first half, but overall Everton cold have won by more than just a single goal. They spurned a number of presentable chances with strikers Hope and Anton Forrester both going close before and after Barrow‘s strike. The breakthrough came in the second half with Barrow capitalising after the Stoke keeper dropped a cross on 55 minutes and the Everton midfielder scored what turned out to be the winner. Everton had more chances again from Hope and Forrester, but in the end had to settle for the single strike. Coach Dewsnip said: “We didn‘t play too well in the first half. They had a real good go at us. They are down the bottom but they showed a great spirit and enthusiasm without really hurting us. Then from half-time onwards we got back. “We must have missed eight, nine or 10 relative comfortable goalscoring opportunities. And having had all those chances the goal we scored came from their keeper dropping a nothing cross and Jordan Barrow nipping round the back to score. “It was unfortunate on their part and lucky for us. Football being football last week we lose a game on our goalkeeper dropping one and this week we win one that way. Swings and roundabouts I suppose.” He added: “It was good to bounce back. They played Marine in midweek and it was a pretty identical team of U18s. They went to extra-time, so mentally and physically that took a lot out of them. There was a bit of a hangover from that and we never really go going until the second half.
“People may say we won comfortably but in terms of performance we could do a lot better.”
Everton will be carry on their title pursuit this Saturday when they take on Blackburn Rovers at Finch Farm (kick-off 11am). Dewsnip said: “At this time of the season tiredness is relevant and we showed a bit of that on Saturday. But we came out of it and hopefully we can go from strength to strength from now on.” Tyas Browning came off following a kick on the leg against Stoke. He won’t train for the next few days but will be checked on before the weekend.
EVERTON UNDER-18s: Roberts, Browning (Cummins 75), Bidwell, Murphy. Hammar, Barrow, Lundstram, Donegan, Thomas, Hope, Forrester. Subs: Long, Orenuga, Higgins

Everton FC sign highly-rated Shrewsbury Town youth goalkeeper
by Ian Doyle, Liverpool Daily Post
Feb 15 2011
EVERTON have moved to strengthen their youth ranks with the capture of highly-rated Shrewsbury Town youth team goalkeeper Mason Springthorpe. The Goodison outfit beat off a strong competition to sign the 16-year-old Springthorpe for £125,000. “There were a number of the top clubs chasing me – I feel blown away,” said the youngster. “It’s a big step for me, but what an opportunity this is. “Everton are an ambitious club who offer a real chance to come through the ranks and into the first team, like Jack Rodwell and Jose Baxter.” Springthorpe, who stands at 6ft 2ins, started playing initially as a striker but was persuaded to become a goalkeeper by his father, Ian. “My dad converted me at nine, so I got plonked between the sticks moaning and groaning on a muddy, soggy pitch,” he added. “But I guess he was right, and I owe him a lot. “The price tag means nothing to me. The regime at Everton will be something else, but if that’s what it takes to get to the next level then I’ll grab it with both hands. “I’ll work hard, always give my all, and never give up.”

Mark Lawrenson: Moyes has to stay - but someone at Everton FC needs to tell him
Liverpool Daily Post
Feb 15 2011
I’M not sure I agree with David Moyes that Everton’s display atBolton was the worst of his reign.
I think it’s more a case of Moyes being at the lowest point of his spell with the Blues, now getting on for nine years. For the first time in that period, he probably can’t face getting out of bed to go to work in the morning. and when he does, he must feel like he’s banging his head against a brick wall.
Losing Louis Saha was the latest blow in a season full of them. And the release of figures that put into perspective just how much Moyes is up against it will only have added to his despair.
I think that’s why he reacted so strongly to the loss at Bolton. Yes, it was a bad performance, but I think his words were the culmination of a mood that has been simmering since the January transfer window, when he only had to look across Stanley Park to see what can be done with the sort of investment that Everton sorely need. Sunday’s result just brought things to the boil.
I’m sure Moyes will calm down and restore his faith in the squad for what is a season-defining FA Cup replay at Chelsea on Saturday. He simply can’t afford to be downbeat in the build-up to that otherwise there’s no point even turning up. So he needs a lift – but where is he going to get it?
I think this is the time when Bill Kenwright needs to have a good long chat with his manager and convince him this is still the place for him to be. The chairman has every right to point to Moyes’s contract and explain he was given that to produce better results than he is at present.
But he can’t be complacent and juts assume Moyes will stick this one out – not when he’s being asked to work within a budget dictated by a £45million debt. Everton are lucky with the Moyes situation – and I believe any fans who think otherwise should be careful what they wish for – in that he has little room for manoeuvre in the wider world. Where would he go? Manchester United? City? Arsenal? Liverpool? Chelsea? No jobs available and, rightly or wrongly, not going to happen. Then you’re in Sunderland, Spurs, Newcastle Aston Villa territory. But why go there? It’s not as if he can fulfil Champions League ambitions there either. Celtic is a job he seems to regularly get linked with but they’re strapped for cash as well. Going abroad could be an option – taking some time out away from the pressures of management is not and anyone who knows Moyes will back that up.
If he hangs on long enough, he might just see the level of investment needed to get back in that top bracket land at Goodison. That’s what all Evertonians, including Moyes, want. Which is why I think it’s nonsense to criticise the chairman for not being able to sell – why would he not snap somebody’s hand off if he had genuine, concrete interest? So for now, it’s not a case of Kenwright persuading Moyes to stay – just while he’s got him, letting him know how much his efforts are appreciated and reiterate to him your belief that they will eventually reap rewards.

We’re in a relegation dogfight now, admits Everton FC skipper Phil Neville
by Ian Doyle, Liverpool Daily Post
Feb 15 2011
PHIL NEVILLE concedes Everton are in a relegation dogfight after admitting the Goodison outfit let their supporters down with the desperate defeat at Bolton Wanderers. Sunday’s dire 2-0 reverse at the Reebok Stadium may have kept David Moyes’s side in 13th place, but they now stand just three points clear of the drop zone. An angry Moyes later described his team’s performance as the worst he can remember during his nine-year tenure. And Neville accepts the jeers from the travelling supporters at full-time were entirely justified while warning Everton must improve if they are not to drop deeper into the relegation mire. “Nothing went for us,” said the Goodison skipper. “We didn’t perform to the level we know we can. We’re really disappointed. “Rather than looking up we’re in a real dogfight and that’s me being honest. “The incentive before the game was to get the three points and shoot up the league to eighth position. That performance wasn’t up to scratch.
“The carrot was there in front of us but it didn’t happen. We still have enough quality to finish the season strongly but we need to play better than we did. “Collectively we all take responsibility for that performance, we have let our supporters down. “We need to move on fast because we have Chelsea in the FA Cup next week.” Neville believes Saturday’s FA Cup fourth round replay at Stamford Bridge represents the ideal opportunity to bounce back from the debacle at the Reebok.
“We’re all disappointed but there is no better cup competition to lift yourself in and we need to salvage something from the season,” he said. Chelsea is always a big game. “We’ve got confidence going down there and we’ve got a good record down there. There is no better way to get out of this disappointment.” Poor defending contributed to both Bolton goals at the weekend, with Gary Cahill’s 10th-minute opener added to by a Daniel Sturridge strike midway through the second half.
And Neville added: “If you concede a goal in the first 10 minutes it always leaves you with an uphill task. We’d worked all week at defending set-pieces but we were too deep. “I thought we came back into it after the goal but the injury to Zat Knight disrupted our momentum a bit. “The disappointment is that in the second half we didn’t create much and we went out with a whimper.
“Bolton play a high tempo game with lots of aggression and you know you have to play off the scraps and the second balls. “But we didn’t have the quality we had against Blackpool.” Since that 5-3 win the previous week, Jack Rodwell was ruled out for a month while Louis Saha, who netted four goals in the victory against the Seasiders, suffered a hamstring problem that will keep him out for another week at least. But Neville refuses to use the duo’s absence as an excuse for the poor performance at Bolton, and said: “You get injuries, you’ve got to deal with it and we’ve got a (good enough) squad.
“The manager put a squad together at the beginning of the season and you’ve got to deal with it. It’s all part and parcel of football.”

Everton FC in focus: Visualisations of how Blues fans responded to our survey
Feb 15 2011
OVER 1,400 Evertonians so far have taken part in our online survey as the current state of Everton FC following the publication of the club accounts last week - below are visualisations in the form of bar charts and wordles (ie the most frequently used words in people's replies) to the questions that we posed

Ian Snodin: Toothless Everton FC are in a relegation scrap
by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Echo
Feb 15 2011
DAVID MOYES says Everton are in a relegation fight and the manager is right. We’re only three points above the bottom three and that’s too close for comfort. Until we manage to pick up another two or three wins then the Blues will be under pressure. Not for one minute do I think we are going to be in the relegation zone come May. There’s too much quality in our squad for that and I believe we will comfortably stay up. But there is no escaping the fact that this season has been a massive disappointment. I went on record back in August saying I believed we were strong enough to challenge for a Champions League. Our current points tally and league position suggests I don’t know what I’m on about! I think everyone was optimistic but it just hasn’t happened this season with too many players not producing the goods regularly enough. To only have 30 points after 26 games is not good enough and the way it’s shaping up you are going to need over 40 points to stay up this season. It was a really poor performance at Bolton on Sunday. Bolton had lost a few recently and I really thought we were capable of going there and getting three points. If we had won the game we would have been eighth and everything would have been positive. But we lost, are down to 13th and everyone is talking about a relegation scrap. It just shows what the league is like this season. It’s so tight and anyone can beat anyone – that was proved when Wolves turned Manchester United over. David Moyes didn’t hold back in his post-match interviews as he described it as up there with the worst performance in his nine years at the club. I think the most disappointing thing was that we just never really looked like scoring. We didn’t play well but you’ve got to say our luck wasn’t in either. It was never a free-kick which led to Bolton’s first goal. The referee was only stood a few yards away and it was a crazy decision. Then from the free-kick the ball is deflected off John Heitinga and Tim Howard had no chance. When you are down the bottom you don’t get the rub of the green. I’ve been in that position myself with Doncaster when I was a young kid and with Everton back in 1994 when we stayed up against Wimbledon. You could see from David’s body language on the bench that he was gutted with the way the lads performed. Usually he’s out in his technical area shouting orders but on Sunday he sat there with the rain coming down on him and looked very down. I know after the game David said maybe he had gone soft on the players but he hasn’t gone soft. I have seen them at Finch Farm and they work incredibly hard as a unit. His work ethic and that of the players on the training ground is fantastic. David has to lift the players after Sunday’s setback but I’ve got no doubt he will get us back on track.

Louis Saha could have made the difference at Bolton

THE loss of Louis Saha to injury once again is a bitter pill to swallow.

Saha has been fantastic since the turn of the year.

He has scored eight goals in that period and has given Everton the kind of cutting edge they have sorely missed for so much of this season.

To lose him again to a hamstring injury when he’s in such good form is tough to take. Let’s just hope it is only a couple of weeks as he’s going to be crucial between now and the end of the season.

We certainly missed him at the Reebok Stadium on Sunday. I believe Saha would have caused Bolton real problems with his pace and power.

It would have given the midfielders a boost to have him up there.

Tim Cahill always does it to the best of his ability when he’s asked to play up front and his work rate is always there but he’s not a striker.

The news about Saha came hot on the heels of the Blues losing Jack Rodwell. The youngster had just got himself back in the side and was looking good but then he goes away with England Under-21s and picks up a groin injury. Rodwell must be gutted and let’s hope he makes a quick recovery.
Losing Saha and Rodwell was a real setback but we still had enough quality on the pitch to get a result against Bolton.
No reason for Everton to fear trip to Stamford Bridge
EVERTON should go into Sunday’s FA Cup replay at Chelsea with no fear. The Blues should have won the tie at Goodison and were by far the better side. We had our chances to kill them off after Louis Saha opened the scoring but we couldn’t take them and paid the price when Salomon Kalou equalised. Okay, Chelsea now have home advantage but they aren’t playing particularly well. We have a really good record at Stamford Bridge in recent years and the players will be roared on by a huge following down there. There is certainly a big prize at stake. A home tie with Reading represents a great chance to progress to the quarter-finals. We all know what the FA Cup means to Everton fans. This season hasn’t gone the way we all hoped but the FA Cup could yet provide a silver lining. Chelsea have a lot of ageing players and despite spending a fortune in January they still have weaknesses which can be exploited. I expect Everton to go down there and have a real go.
If we could knock the holders out on their own patch it would give the players a lot of confidence going into some crucial league games against Sunderland and Newcastle.
Time to unite behind Everton
EVERTON fans are second to none in my eyes and this is a time when we all need to get behind the manager and the players. When results aren’t going well then fans are bound to moan. That’s the same at any club, even the likes of Manchester United and Arsenal who are up there challenging every season. If you pay your money then you are entitled to voice your opinion. But you can rest assured everyone will be working tirelessly to put things right and when times are tough the support of the fans is even more vital.
Rooney strike no surprise to Evertonians
WAYNE ROONEY’S stunning strike to win the Manchester derby will come as no surprise to Evertonians. He was doing things like that when he was 16 in a blue shirt so we all know what he’s capable of. Rooney wasn’t having the best of days at Old Trafford but the goal was pure class and worthy of winning any game. It was all about instinct and the technique was outstanding. As he said himself, nine times out of 10 that flies over the bar but he connected with it perfectly. It’s certainly the goal of the season so far and it’s going to take some beating.

Joe Royle tells Everton FC fans to lay off David Moyes
Liverpool Echo
Feb 15 2011
FORMER Everton boss Joe Royle has urged supporters to lay off David Moyes as he battles to lift the club away from the Premier League drop zone. Sunday’s demoralising 2-0 defeat at Bolton left the Blues in 13th place and just three points above the bottom three. A fuming Moyes labelled it the worst performance of his nine-year Goodison reign and admitted his side are in a relegation fight.
However, Royle, who led Everton to FA Cup glory in 1995, insists fans shouldn’t blame the manager for the club’s stuttering campaign. “They have to be wary of what I would call the Charlton syndrone,” he said. “When Alan Curbishley was there he got criticised because Charlton were stuck in mid-table in the Premier League. “It really is a one-off profession. David Moyes or any other manager wouldn’t tell a doctor, a builder or an electrician how to do their job. But every Saturday supporters know the job better than David Moyes or every other manager. They just need to be a little bit aware. “David Moyes has worked very hard at Everton and had terrible luck with injuries this season.” Royle, who was at the Reebok Stadium on Sunday, believes the absence of Louis Saha was crucial to the outcome. The in-form French international had banged in four goals in the thrilling 5-3 victory against Blackpool a week earlier but was sidelined after damaging his hamstring in training. With Jack Rodwell also out with a groin injury suffered on duty for England Under-21s, Moyes was forced to make changes and the result was a disjointed display with Everton toothless up front. “When Saha is fit there is no more accomplished striker in the game,” Royle added. “He’s a £30million striker when he’s fit but unfortunately he can get injured getting out of his car. He doesn’t play enough games. “If he had played at Bolton he would have made the difference.

“Everton were not brilliant and David Moyes said they were as poor as he has seen them but they still had more dangerous moments than Bolton in the first half. “Everton had more chances to score in a poor game and if Saha had been there then who knows.”

Everton FC in focus: Just what does the future hold for the Blues?
by David Bartlett, Liverpool Echo
Feb 15 2011
Everton FC's stadium, Goodison Park, saw gate receipts dropTHE ECHO today begins a series looking at the future of Everton FC. Our series looks at the club’s finances, the prospects for a new or revamped stadium and asks fans for their views. City Editor David Bartlett today analyses the results of a poll of fans MANY Everton FC fans do not believe enough is being done to find a new owner capable of transforming the club’s fortunes, according to an exclusive survey of fans by the ECHO.
We asked supporters for their views on the state of the Blues’ health and prospects for the future in the wake of the recently-released annual accounts. The results reflect a growing level of unease among fans, some of who fear the Goodison Park outfit are heading for mediocrity unless they can attract fresh investment. Up to now, more than 1,400 Evertonians have taken part in our internet poll. More than 88% of those fans do not believe enough is being done to find a wealthy new owner, while 78% do not think the club will be able to hold on to its best players in the summer.

Players have let fans down and Everton FC are in relegation dogfight now - Phil Neville
by James Pearce, Liverpool Echo
Feb 15 2011
SKIPPER Phil Neville insists the players are to blame for the poor form which has left Everton in a “dogfight” for Premier League survival. The Blues are just three points above the drop zone and boss David Moyes came in for plenty of criticism in the wake of Sunday’s demoralising 2-0 defeat at Bolton. However, Neville says his team-mates have to take a long hard look at themselves after admitting they let the club’s fans down at the Reebok Stadium. “We didn’t perform to the level that we know we can,” Neville said. “The incentive before the game was to get the three points and shoot up the league to eighth position. Now rather than looking up we’re in a real dogfight and that’s me being honest. “That performance wasn’t up to scratch and collectively we all take responsibility for that. “We’ve got injuries but you have to deal with it. We have a good enough squad. We have an outstanding group of players but we just didn’t produce.We let our supporters down. It wasn’t good enough and we need to play better than that.” Neville was left ruing the slack marking which allowed Gary Cahill to head home the opener early on and when Daniel Sturridge added a second after the break Everton surrendered meekly. “Conceding a goal in the first 10 minutes always leaves you with an uphill task,” Neville added. “We had worked all week on defending set-pieces but we were just a little bit too deep. In the second half we didn’t really create much and went out with a whimper. “Bolton play a high tempo game with a lot of aggression. You know you are going to have to win the scraps and second balls. “They play a little bit similar to Blackpool in that they go for it. They are gung ho at times but we didn’t have the quality we had the week before.” Everton must quickly put that setback behind them as they prepare for Saturday’s FA Cup fourth round replay against Chelsea. Neville is demanding for a response at Stamford Bridge and believes he will get one. He said: “We are all disappointed but there is no better cup competition to lift yourself in. We need to salvage something from this season. “We still have enough quality to finish the season strongly. We have got to pick ourselves up. “There’s no better game than going down to Stamford Bridge. We have a good record down there and will go there with confidence. “There is no better way to get out of this disappointment. We are going to take a lot of supporters down to London and we need to give them something to shout about.” Meanwhile, Everton have agreed a deal to sign highly rated young goalkeeper Mason Springthorpe from Shrewsbury for £125,000. The 6ft 2ins 16-year-old has been playing for the League Two club’s under-18 side. “There were a number of the top clubs chasing me,” he said. “It’s a big step for me, but what an opportunity this is. Everton are an ambitious club who offer a real chance to come through the ranks and into the first team, like Jack Rodwell and Jose Baxter. “The regime at Everton will be something else, but if that’s what it takes to get to the next level then I’ll grab it with both hands.”

Everton FC fans advised to get to Stamford Bridge early ahead of FA Cup replay at Chelsea
Feb 15 2011
Merseyside Police and Everton Football Club have urged Everton Supporters due to attend the Chelsea v Everton FA Cup fourth round replay, to get to Stamford Bridge early for Saturday's match.
Kick-off for the match is at 12.30pm on Saturday, 19 February 2011. Chief Superintendent Dave Lewis said: "For this FA Cup match Everton supporters have been allocated more tickets than usual and in order to avoid queues at the ground, we're asking supporters to arrive at the stadium in plenty of time. " Kick-off is 12.30pm, and our message to Everton supporters is simple, plan your journey in advance to ensure you allow plenty of time to enter the stadium, the last thing we want is for people to miss the kick-off."

Former St Helens RLFC chief speaks out on Everton FC’s finances
by Ben Schofield, Liverpool Echo
Feb 16 2011
St Helens RLFC chief executive Sean McGuire believes potential buyers are put off by Everton’s apparent financial woes. He said: “When you come to think about it, why should anyone buy it?
“Fundamentally, it is a financial transaction. Someone will buy that club because they want to make a profit, unless they are some kind of good Samaritan.” Mr McGuire also commented on Blues chairman Bill Kenwright’s statement in the financial report, when he spoke of his search for a “rich and generous benefactor”. He said: “I do not think businesses survive anymore on benefactors. I think that language speaks volumes. “It is a £70m turnover business. Why can’t it make a profit? It should be able to make a dollar on £70m turnover unless you are doing something very badly wrong.”

The Best of the Rest of Everton’s greatest ever goals
by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
Feb 16 2011
I WILL never forget the goal Andy King scored against Liverpool in 78. My daughter had been born that week and we had not beaten them for so long. I was in the Gwladys Street. The ball was put forward and I think Dobson laid it off to Kingy who smashed it into the top corner. Cue pandemonium. IN third place I had Graeme Sharp’s volley over Ray Clemence against Spurs.
In second place was Jimmy Husband v Chelsea. Peter Bonetti didn’t see it. He was still standing motionless like a Subbuteo goalkeeper with the ball already in the back of the net.
In first place is Alex Young’s goal against West Ham – ’64 or 65? Everton gained possession on the left of their own penalty area. I think it was Alex Scott who saw Young and hit a 40-yard pass to Young. As the ball dropped Young sprinted into it, controlled it without breaking stride. As he cut into the area the goalkeeper came sprinting off his line. To everyone’s surprise, Young stopped 10 yards outside the penalty area, he put his foot on the ball with hands on hips.

The keeper stopped by the penalty spot with a look of sheer panic on his face. Alex chipped the ball over his outstretched fingertips. It bounced once and nestled in the corner of the net. Alex turned and walked back to the halfway line with a big smile on his face. People go on about the likes of Bergkamp and Dalglish. At his best Alex Young was better than any of them.
L Wilson, Gateacre
I NOMINATE not one Golden Goal, but three. In the same match! Everton v Sheffield Wednesday, circa 1965/66 all from Alex Young. As I recall they were all rocket shots from distance. I’ve always described Young’s hat-trick as the best I’ve ever seen.
Ivor Scholes L17
BEST goal I have seen at Goodison was Pat Nevin’s cheeky lob over Jim Leighton v Man United in 1989.
Colin, Walton

Echo readers have their say on the greatest Goodison goal of all-time
by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
Feb 16 2011
Everton FC's Jimmy Husband sprints after the bal lA RECENT Echo survey to reveal Goodison’s greatest ever goal produced a surprise outcome. Scores of readers voted for a goal which wasn’t even on our original shortlist! It was scored by Jimmy Husband against Chelsea in January 1971, and a quick trawl of our archives revealed that it deserved to be regarded so highly. “One of the best goals I’ve ever seen,” said Everton boss Harry Catterick afterwards, while the Daily Post and Echo’s veteran and respected reporters agreed. “Deserved to be put on film for the majesty of its creation and the power of its finish,” reported Michael Charters, while the Post’s Horace Yates, added: “I doubt I will see a more brilliant goal than that with which Everton lit up the scene after only eight minutes. It was poetry of motion.” So we asked our readers to get involved. We asked ‘Were you there?’ when Jimmy Husband scored the goal so many believed to be the greatest in Goodison’s long and colourful history. Plenty of you, it seems, were.
WHEN Jimmy Husband scored THAT goal against Chelsea. I was standing behind the Glwadys Street goal. When amazing sporting things happen you can sense the greatness and you can feel everyone else sensing it around you. The speed of the move from defence to goal was breathtaking. The skill of the individual players involved was breathtaking and the team work was breathtaking.
The goal came just after the 1970 World Cup in which Brazil had been unstoppable with their own brand of breathtaking football. Always going forward, always seeking out the space ahead and with skill and finishing at its best. Everton’s goal against Chelsea was out of the same mould – instant knowledge of where team-mates were, instant one touch passes and a stunning finish to bring the house down. I don’t think I’ve seen a better goal at Goodison in the 50 years I’ve been supporting Everton though we have had equally spine tingling moments for example Jack Rodwell’s goal against Manchester United last season, Andy Rankin’s penalty save, Andy King’s winner versus Liverpool, Alex Young’s header v Spurs and many, many more. That’s why we all go to watch football – it is about winning but the things most remembered over the years are the individual or team pieces of sublime skill. WITHOUT any prompting by the Echo I would without hesitation nominated Jimmy Husband's goal against Chelsea as the greatest goal I have ever seen at Goodison. I still talk of it with my brothers. I remember it exactly as described in the Daily Post – Husband taking the ball on his chest and the ball moving with him as he turned, before volleying it into the roof of the net. Other great goals? Any of Fred Pickering's hat-trick on his Everton debut at Goodison. Great memories.
Paul Olson, Rainford Junction
I REMEMBER well the Jimmy Husband goal – it was one of those that stick in the memory for obvious reasons. As I recall, the ball was passed (I didn’t remember that it was by John Hurst) to Colin Harvey, who was, I think, standing on or very near the centre spot. He immediately passed it along the centre line to Alan Ball, who was on the touchline. He, in turn, immediately played a diagonal ball to the penalty spot, where Jimmy Husband, running in, chested it down before lashing it into the roof of the net past Bonetti. In those days, I stood directly in front of the (old) Directors’ box, so I had a very good view of it. Another memorable goal was the second of Alex Young’s only hat-trick for Everton (against Sheffield Wednesday) on a Tuesday night in August 1965. Again, from my vantage point in front of the Directors' box, I witnessed what can only be described as an optical illusion. Wednesday had been attacking and had left three defenders strung about five yards inside their own half. The ball was then played long (might have been thrown by Gordon West) to Young on the half-way line in the inside-right position. He then turned and (sort of) ran with it to the rightmost defender. He then appeared to float past him as if he wasn't there – the defender didn't even move.
He then took it on a bit further and stopped about 25 yards from goal, with only Ron Springett to beat. What followed was a shot that dipped just inside the top right-hand corner of the goal. The crowd went bonkers. I have seen some memorable goals at Goodison, but these two have always stood out for me. It’s a pity that there were no TV cameras present for either.
John Glazzard, Chester
WAS there, with my dad (Jim), my brother, also Jim, and my sister, Marian, in the front row of the main stand. To this day my brother, my sister and I agree that it was the best goal we have ever seen. Dad always believed that too. No TV cameras were there to capture it, but it remains indelibly printed on my memory. Thanks for giving me a reason to re-live it.
Mark McQueen.
AND here was me thinking not many would recall that goal and rate it so highly. For me it is without a doubt the best goal scored in my 50 years of watching Everton. I can remember it as if it was yesterday. Like so much of Everton’s play in those days, it was all done without any of the players involved having to think and look up to find a team-mate. Each knew where the others would likely be on the pitch. From start to finish the whole move, which started some 10 yards outside the Everton penalty area, couldn’t have taken more than 10 seconds. Simply sublime.
One reason the name of Everton is rarely mentioned in reviews of yesteryear, however many trophies they have won, is that so little of the glory seasons remains on film. Great pity.
Stephen Carse, Isle of Man

Football finance experts have their say on Everton FC’s books (FULL FIGURES INSIDE)
by Ben Schofield, Liverpool Echo
Feb 16 2011
EVERTON manager David Moyes is the club’s best asset, football finance experts told the ECHO.
Pound-for-pound, the Goodison boss has “consistently outperformed” other Premier League managers, they said.The ECHO asked some of Merseyside’s best-informed football analysts to look over the club’s accounts.Last week, the club published its financial statements for the year to the end of May 2010.Some figures set alarm bells ringing, with doom-mongers predicting a downward spiral for Everton.The accounts revealed the club’s debt climbed £7m to £44.9m, the wage bill was 69% of total income and the club was facing rising interest payments on its loans.

Travelling army of Everton FC fans to roar team on in FA Cup clash against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
Feb 16 2011
AN ARMY of 6,000 fans will descend on the capital to cheer Everton’s attempt to keep their season alive by beating Chelsea in the FA Cup. The Blues have sold out their tickets for Saturday’s fourth round replay against the current trophy holders, and can expect an electric atmosphere at Stamford Bridge. David Moyes’ team will be desperate to avoid a cup exit, after inconsistent league form has left the famous competition as their only avenue for success this season. Captain Phil Neville has admitted the Blues are embroiled in a relegation battle following their 2-0 defeat at Bolton on Sunday, and the Saturday lunchtime game has become an even more high-stakes prospect.
Moyes could ring the changes after the defeat by Owen Coyle’s side, which he summed up as one of the worst performances of his nine-year reign, with Leon Osman, Jermaine Beckford and Phil Jagielka all in contention for starting places. Whichever team starts, they will be roared on by the full complement of an impressive away support hoping their side can overcome Carlo Ancelotti’s struggling champions, and book a fifth round home clash with Reading. The volume of Everton’s travelling fans is in contrast to the Goodison fixture, when the Londoners had to send back almost 3,000 tickets after failing to sell their own allocation. Merseyside Police have advised fans to get to West London early for Saturday’s 12.30pm kick-off. Chief Superintendent Dave Lewis said: “For this FA Cup match Everton supporters have been allocated more tickets than usual and in order to avoid queues at the ground, we’re asking supporters to arrive at the stadium in plenty of time. Kick-off is 12.30pm, and our message to Everton supporters is simple, plan your journey in advance to ensure you allow plenty of time to enter the stadium, the last thing we want is for people to miss kick-off.”
Meanwhile, former Everton loan defender Philippe Senderos was in action against a young Toffees reserve side as they crashed to a 4-1 defeat by Fulham. Bobby Zamora opened the scoring for the Cottagers in the first half and Eidur Gudjohnsen added two more with strikes either side of the interval. Second half substitute Danny Hoesen rounded off the scoring with a header. Senderos, who was returning from long-term injury lay-off, was replaced at half-time by Robert Maloney.
Everton netted a late goal from the penalty spot after Maloney was adjudged to have handled in the area, and although the visitors finished strongly they were unable to add to their tally.
The reserves’ next game against Blackburn Rovers will now be played behind closed doors at Finch Farm on February 22. The match, originally scheduled for an evening kick-off at the Halton Stadium, was switched as it clashed with a rugby league fixture.

Everton FC to be backed by huge travelling army at Chelsea on Saturday
by Ian Doyle, Liverpool Daily Post
Feb 16 2011
EVERTON will be backed by 6,000 travelling supporters when they aim to keep alive their hopes of silverware this season. The Goodison outfit have sold their full allocation for the FA Cup fourth round replay at Chelsea this coming Saturday. It is in contrast to the support shown by followers of the Londoners, who sent back almost 3,000 tickets after they went unsold for the initial tie on Merseyside last month. Only a late equaliser from substitute Salomon Kalou prevented Everton registering their first win over Chelsea in the competition in 55 years after Louis Saha had put David Moyes’s side ahead. Saha will be absent from this weekend’s rematch through injury, leaving Moyes with a decision of whether to persist with Victor Anichebe in attack or bring in Jermaine Beckford, whose goal earned a point for Everton in their Premier League visit to Stamford Bridge in December.
The Goodison manager is almost certain to make changes to the starting line-up following the dismal 2-0 defeat at Bolton Wanderers on Sunday, a performance the Scot described as the worst of his nine-year reign. However, a lack of options means Moyes is likely to rely upon the same core of players to atone for their Reebok debacle. Everton supporters are being advised to get to Stamford Bridge early for Saturday’s match, which has a 12.30pm kick-off. Merseyside Police Chief Superintendent Dave Lewis said: “For this FA Cup match Everton supporters have been allocated more tickets than usual and in order to avoid queues at the ground, we’re asking supporters to arrive at the stadium in plenty of time. “Kick-off is 12.30pm, and our message to Everton supporters is simple, plan your journey in advance to ensure you allow plenty of time to enter the stadium, the last thing we want is for people to miss the kick-off.” Meanwhile, Everton’s reserve game against Blackburn Rovers will now be played behind closed doors at Finch Farm next Tuesday.
The match was originally scheduled for an evening kick-off at the Halton Stadium, but has been switched as it clashes with a rugby league fixture.

Bolton made Everton FC look bad insists Owen Coyle
by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Daily Post
Feb 16 2011
Bolton made Everton look bad insists Owen Coyle
BOLTON manager Owen Coyle believes his side should take more credit for their 2-0 win over Everton on Sunday. The significance of the result for Bolton was overshadowed by the reaction of Everton manager David Moyes, who declared his team’s performance the worst in his nine years in charge of the club. Coyle had talked up his friend and fellow Scot before the game, claiming he was good enough to manage any team in the world, and the Bolton manager has offered his support again. Coyle also felt his side were not given enough credit, saying: “I know there’s been a bit made of Everton being poor on the day, and by David’s standards they probably were, but I think you have to give tremendous credit to my players. “Everton were only as good as they were allowed to be because of the intensity we played at. “When we’re out there trying to win games, then of course our focus is on the game, but obviously you feel for him (Moyes) because of the circumstances, with the finance and everything else. “But Everton will go and win points, they’ll pick themselves up again because of the quality they have as players, but, more than that, the quality they have in their manager.” Meanwhile, Coyle confirmed Zat Knight had suffered knee ligament damage in Sunday’s win over Everton. The 30-year-old sustained the damage to his right leg in a last-ditch tackle on Victor Anichebe in the first half and could be out for six weeks.

Everton star Seamus Coleman relishing rematch with Ashley Cole
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
Feb 17 2011
SEAMUS Coleman can’t wait to lock horns with Ashley Cole again on Saturday, as Everton look to book their place in the FA Cup fifth round. The Irishman believes coming up against world class opposition like then England defender can only speed up his own progress. The 22-year-old has already come up against the experienced Chelsea star twice this season and says he will relish his next opportunity at Stamford Bridge. He said: “It’s what you want as footballer, you want to play against the best players in the world. “I’ve played against him a couple of times already this season, it’s always good to play against him and I go into the game on Saturday hoping to get the upper hand. “He has a lot of experience, he’s played at the top for a long time, he’s very fit and he knows the game well, it’s very hard to get the ball past him. “He attacks quite a lot, so me being a right back anyway I like to go back and defend and hopefully if I come up against him I can do well.”
The Blues have already played out two 1-1 draws with Premier League champions Chelsea this season, and Coleman is confident Everton can go one better and book a date with Reading in the last 16. “Obviously it’s a massive game on Saturday in the FA Cup and we go down there hungry to advance in the competition,” added Coleman. “It didn’t happen for us, we can’t put our finger on why but we want to put it behind us now and get ourselves right again. “We drew with them, and the game at Goodison in the Cup we probably could have beaten them, so we know they are not unbeatable and we're confident of getting a result.” Meanwhile, five of Everton Ladies have been selected in the England Under-23s squad for a forthcoming tournament in La Manga, Spain.

Fern Whelan, Michelle Hinnigan, Brooke Chaplen, Toni Duggan and Natasha Dowie have all been called-up to the 18-woman party, and will travel to the resort for the competition later this month.

Everton FC letters: David Moyes has worked wonders for the Blues
by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Echo
Feb 17 2011
CONSIDERING the financial restraint he has been under for the past eight years, David Moyes has worked wonders at this club. And that’s in spite of Bill Kenwright – not because of him.
The fact that his peers have voted him their manager of the year three times bears witness to that.
It’s an absolute must that we keep him. As for a buyer, top dollar needs to be spent on a broker who will go out and sell the club to potential investors.
philipharding9
IT’S about time the players were sat down and reminded of how privileged they are to play for Everton Football Club. They should be reminded of all our former players who played with pride and passion when they pulled on the Royal Blue jersey – a few spring to mind, Mike Lyons, Brian Labone, Colin Harvey, Howard Kendall, Alan Ball, Bob Latchford, Joe Royle and the one and only Dixie Dean.
These lads need to step up and start playing with the pride and passion each and every Everton fan deserves.
Lyonsthelegend
THE debacle at the Reebok was another reality check for David Moyes’s best squad, who took until the 85th minute to have any serious shot at goal. It’s all very well bemoaning the display, but this has been a consistent feature throughout the season, and maybe, time is running out for Moyes and especially his backroom staff. But what has gone wrong for David Moyes this season? Too reliant on ‘talisman tactics’, lack of specialised wide players who can cross the ball, lack of pace, unable to keep clean sheets, senior players not performing to the level they are capable of, poor team selections and so on. Moyes has taken Everton as far as he can.
David Kearns, Aintree
I AM getting extremely annoyed at listening to radio phone-ins where an ordinary Evertonian calls in to criticise David Moyes and the presenter or football guest attacks the caller, jumps to the defence of the manager and blames totally Bill Kenwright and the Everton board for lack of investment.
Yes, I would love a billionaire to come in, buy Everton and the manager be able to buy any player he wants – but that hasn’t happened yet. Having said that, we have not done badly over the past few years. We have £200m worth of players, and I believe most Premier League managers would give their right arm for the quality of squad we have. Remember: We have not won an Anfield derby since David Moyes has been in charge; Fulham got to the final of the Europa League with arguably half the spending and talent we have – we never seem to get past stage one. We played Stoke on New Year’s Day and lost with £30m of signings not even on the bench. I do believe David Moyes has done a good job in the past, but I also believe that his management of the talent he has got now leaves a lot to be desired. I have been watching Everton since 1958. I am not a shareholder, nor am I on the board. I have had many arguments with Bill Kenwright and other members of the board over the years but they don’t pick or manage the talent we have got.
Derek Hatton, Liverpool
I JUST don’t know how Victor Anichebe gets a game! He is a big strong lad, but obviously he doesn’t relish the physical side of the game.
Kstom
WE probably need to win three more games to avoid relegation and although now isn’t the time to panic, we need a dramatic improvement on Sunday’s rubbish if we are to win ANY games, never mind three. Right now ‘I’d bite someone’s hand off’ for a 17th place finish.
TopBalcony
MIKEL ARTETA and Marouane Fellaini can’t both play centre midfield. They both like to have the ball and spread play and our Belgian star is the one everything is going through at the moment.
LET’S hope we play like we know we can against Chelsea on Saturday. On our day we can beat anyone – and have done. So let’s get on the road to Wembley and lift the Blues and banish the blues in one fell swoop!
Felix
WHEN the going gets tough the tough get going. Our massive away support is ready to flex its vocal muscles once again. Let’s hope we really give us something to shout about.
Magicmckenzie
AT least one team from this city has a chance of a trip to the new Wembley. And it ain’t Liverpool.
PC, Liverpool

Everton FC jury: Blues fans on the Bolton defeat and the FA Cup replay at Chelsea
by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Echo
Feb 17 2011
Mike Drummond: Win one, lose one form will see Everton FC relegated I HONESTLY don’t know where to start when it comes to Everton at the moment. This win one, lose one form has to stop – otherwise it will see us relegated. For every game we lose, another story about us being skint and not adding to our squad in January is released and used as an excuse (not to forget David Moyes is walking out as well)! Losing to those two goals at Bolton was unacceptable. I don’t think it was the best 11 we could have started with and I don’t think it was the worst performance of Moyes’s reign, or even this season. Marouane Fellaini was again outstanding but rather than think ‘we have him for years to come’, we wonder ‘where will he be next season?’. Not good. We have one last shot at a good season starting at Chelsea. I hope the players stand up and be counted because it’s their performances that’s the issue, not the management! Mike Williamson: Maybe Everton FC manager David Moyes has started to run out of steam WHATEVER happens against Chelsea, it’s about time Blues’ fans woke up and realised just how bad a state we are in. We were fighting relegation when David Moyes took over almost nine years ago, and here we are again – only possibly in a worse state. For the manager to limply accept that the Bolton performance was the worst in his reign but offer no explanations was just unacceptable and possibly a sign that even he has started to run out of steam. He does deserve much credit for stabilising the club and giving us some memorable performances, but he has not been served well by the board. The chairman’s refusal to communicate with the ever-faithful fans is insulting but no doubt those same fans will be getting emails about next season’s ticket prices soon. All of this can be temporarily forgotten, of course, if we produce the kind of display we know they can on Saturday. The injuries don’t help but we have bossed Chelsea once and we can definitely do it again!
Cole Fraser: David Moyes was right – Bolton was our worst display of the season
DAVID MOYES said it himself – Sunday at Bolton was the worst performance this season.
And it was by a long way. We were terrible. We didn’t pass the ball well, we didn’t communicate with each other at all and we lacked any passion. Anichebe struggled in the lone-striker role, the midfield’s passing was awful and Cahill wasted the kind of opportunity that he’d usually bury.
All in all, we got what we deserved – nothing. Moyes’s consistency in overlooking Jermaine Beckford confuses me. Around the beginning of the season, Moyes was trying to include Beckford as much as possible, but now that he’s built up some confidence in front of goal, the manager has begun to leave him out. Beckford should start on Saturday alongside Saha, if he’s fit, with Cahill behind the two. We have to go all-out! Cole Fraser: David Moyes was right – Bolton was our worst display of the season DAVID MOYES said it himself – Sunday at Bolton was the worst performance this season.

And it was by a long way. We were terrible. We didn’t pass the ball well, we didn’t communicate with each other at all and we lacked any passion. Anichebe struggled in the lone-striker role, the midfield’s passing was awful and Cahill wasted the kind of opportunity that he’d usually bury.
All in all, we got what we deserved – nothing. Moyes’s consistency in overlooking Jermaine Beckford confuses me. Around the beginning of the season, Moyes was trying to include Beckford as much as possible, but now that he’s built up some confidence in front of goal, the manager has begun to leave him out. Beckford should start on Saturday alongside Saha, if he’s fit, with Cahill behind the two. We have to go all-out!
David Wallbank: If David Moyes appears fed-up, imagine how us Evertonians feel! THE season is over if Everton again produce yet another dreadful performance this Saturday at Stamford Bridge. It doesn’t get much worse than Sunday’s pathetic attempt at the Reebok, as an average Bolton team swept us aside. There was plenty of talk about how depressed and fed-up Moyes is looking. Well if David feels let down, imagine what all Evertonians are feeling right now? A win this weekend would certainly go a long way in making the Blue majority of Merseyside feel good again, but I for one won’t be banking on it. We’ve been easy to beat this season, and as I have said on more than one occasion, we need to dig deep and pull out a few ‘dogs of war’-style displays.

Everton FC in focus: Fan organisations on the way forward for the Blues
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
Feb 17 2011
Goodison Park IN the latest installment of our week-long series on the current situation at Everton FC, fans group leaders give their thoughts on the way forward for the club they love
* Blues fans on what they think the club's priorities should be (VIDEO) COLIN Fitzpatrick fears Everton FC could come under pressure from the bank to cut its overdraft by selling players.
Businessman Mr Fitzpatrick, secretary of Keeping Everton In Our City (Keioc), which fought the club’s proposed move to Kirkby, believes the sale of former training ground Bellefield in December and the January departure of three players from the wage bill provided evidence the club’s current business plan is flawed. Mr Fitzpatrick, who quizzed chief executive Robert Elstone during the 2008 public inquiry into the Kirkby move, said Keioc’s 3,000 registered members have serious concerns about the capability of the current board. He said: “In my opinion, the latest accounts are simply further confirmation Everton are following a failed business model, one which the board are incapable of addressing. “David Moyes has not had a net spend on players for the past five transfer windows and we hear he now faces another summer of having to sell before he can buy. “Perhaps the most surprising information from the accounts was from club secretary Martin Evans, who revealed the money from the sale of Bellefield, also obtained in December 2010, was used to pay ‘the previous working capital loan facility’. “So that was our last remaining useable non-playing asset gone. I would suggest the bank will put pressure on the club to reduce its overdraft and control costs by shipping out players to reduce expenditure against dwindling income.” Mr Fitzpatrick is concerned about the input of the board. IN the latest installment of our week-long series on the current situation at Everton FC, fans group leaders give their thoughts on the way forward for the club they love He said: “Their business plan, based on asset utilisation, is not sustainable. I feared 18 months ago the club’s various loans would overwhelm its ability to provide the manager with funds. Now this scenario has happened and it is going to get worse in the 2011 accounts. “To see we did not post an operating profit in 2010 is odd. Everton run a tight ship. Essentially they tend not to spend more than they earn. “That does not mean that everything is fine at Goodison. I feel Everton are in serious trouble and heading for more. “Everton are not insolvent, because if needs be we can sell players to balance the books. But if that happened, how are we expected to operate?”
Mr Fitzpatrick wants greater transparency from the club. He said: “The board cannot be questioned because they have banned general meetings in favour of stage-managed shareholder forums.

“Everton need to increase their own commercial performance, specifically the amount of revenue delivered from the stadium. “The board’s last attempt to address the income situation was Destination Kirkby. “In my opinion, it would have failed to provide the club with any additional income. “The next chapter for Everton will undoubtedly be new ownership. “The way forward is to replace the current directors with an interim board, like Liverpool did, with the sole objective of finding a suitable new owner who has the means, capacity and vision to halt the decline.”
Colin Fitzpatrick was speaking to GREG O’KEEFFE.
The board’s doing its best ... says shareholders association chair Anne Asquith ANNE Asquith believes the Everton board are doing the best they can in a testing economic climate – but agrees there must be clearer communications between club and fans. Everton have not held an AGM since 2007, although they have held a series of forums with selected shareholders. She said: “The accounts were quite a bit better than some had feared. While they were not particularly good either, that was not a big surprise. “Robert Elstone and Bill Kenwright have been saying for some time that the financial model Everton has had to operate under for some time is basically unsustainable, and they had to borrow money to support David Moyes. “Whether it is time they found another way is up for debate. But compared with other clubs, Everton are not in bad debt – there are worse.
“I do not suppose the directors are particularly happy with the situation either, but they are only working in the financial market which exists. “As for selling the club, I think it is far more complex than people think. Many just want a rich Arab or Eastern European owner to come in, like Chelsea or Manchester City. “While it has seemed to work well for Man City second time, it did not work out with their first rich owner. “Then think of the clamour to move to a new ground – it has not worked out particularly well for Southampton, Middlesbrough, Derby or Coventry, who have been relegated since moving to new grounds. “It is not like waving a magic wand and the new stadium effect does not always last long. “I would be wary of someone coming into buy the club just to asset strip, even if we have not got that many assets, or someone with an open cheque book who then loses interest.
“Maybe the future is to look towards investment from China.” Mrs Asquith said she will meet with chief executive Mr Elstone at a shareholders’ meeting next week. She said: “Getting the AGMs back is a perennial request, and lots of shareholders have felt disenfranchised since they were stopped.
“But you can almost understand why they stopped them. Proxy representatives were attending the AGMs and there was some behaviour which some of us felt was not appropriate. “We are a broad church but some of the old school felt the atmosphere was unpleasant. “I think highly of the board as people. I do not know a lot about Robert Earl, but Jon Woods is a lovely guy and a big supporter.
“Whatever anyone says about Bill Kenwright, you can never doubt he loves the club like a son and it would kill him if he sold it and things went wrong like at Liverpool. He would hate to be responsible for that.” Mrs Asquith’s call for the return of AGMs was echoed by Simon Magner, of new group Evertonians For Change, which has attracted 1,800 supporters via its Facebook page. Mr Magner would also like to see the club agree to a fans forum, akin to a new scheme at rivals Liverpool.

Everton FC's Steve Round: Blues must be clinical against Chelsea in FA Cup
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
Feb 17 2011
STEVE ROUND has warned Everton must make every chance count against Chelsea in their FA Cup replay on Saturday. The Blues assistant manager insists lessons must be learned from the first tie at Goodison Park when Everton conceded just moments after almost doubling their lead through Seamus Coleman. And Round believes the key to their progress into the next stage of the cup will be firming up a leaky defence which has failed to keep a clean sheet in 11 games, and has recorded only five shut outs in 30 matches in all competitions. He said: “You have to dig in when the pressure is on and see it through. When the opposition are on top and coming at you then you have to make sure you get that clean sheet. “That is something we have not done enough this season. “Our clean sheet record is not as good as it has been in previous years – that’s for sure. “But these are the things we are trying to improve on. These are the things the manager is stressing to the team every single day. “But we will go (to Stamford Bridge) with a resilient attitude and high hopes, and try and go one better than last time and get through the tie.” While Saturday’s game demands a final result, the last seven meetings between the teams have seen five end in draws with one victory apiece.
Round predicts a similarly tight contest in West London this time around, and that near-misses will be no consolation for the Blues. “The team were very disappointed not to beat Chelsea in the first game and, but for a defining two-minute period, we would have done,” added Round. “Seamus Coleman won a magnificent header at the back post, followed up the rebound and to this day I don’t know how Michael Essien has blocked it. “And to go from that near miss at going 2-0 to be 1-1 straight away – that proved the defining moment in the match. “We felt our performance, particularly second half, warranted us getting a result and going through. “It didn’t work like that and we have to go to the Bridge but we have done okay there lately and they won’t relish playing us.” “And when that defining moment arrives in this match we have to make it count.” Meanwhile, five of Everton Ladies have been selected in the England Under-23s squad for a forthcoming tournament in La Manga, Spain. Fern Whelan, Michelle Hinnigan, Brooke Chaplen, Toni Duggan and Natasha Dowie have all been called-up to the 18-woman party, and will travel to the resort for the competition later this month.

Pre-match preview: Chelsea v Everton FC
Feb 17 2011
To be played at Stamford Bridge, Saturday February 19 kick off 12.30pm
Everton's last five games
Feb 13: Premier League - Bolton 2 Everton 0
Feb 5: Premier League - Everton 5 Blackpool 3
Feb 1: Premier League - Arsenal 2 Everton 1
Jan 29: FA Cup - Everton 1 Chelsea 1
Jan 22: Premier League - Everton 2 West Ham 2
Chelsea's last five games
Feb 14: Premier League: Fulham 0 Chelsea 0
Feb 6: Premier League: Chelsea 0 Liverpool 1
Feb 1: Premier League: Sunderland 2 Chelsea 4
Jan 29: FA Cup - Everton 1 Chelsea 1
Jan 24: Premier League - Bolton 0 Chelsea 4
Past meetings
We detailed Everton's past FA Cup meetings with Chelsea in our preview of the initial tie at Goodison a few backs which finished in a 1-1 draw - the Blues' most recent fourth replay came against Merseyside rivals Liverpool two years ago so to help put a smile back on Blue faces, here's Dan Gosling's late extra time winning goal
Quick quiz (answers at the foot of the page)
1 Who were the beaten opponents when Everton won their first FA Cup in 1906?
2 Which future Everton manager scored the winner in the Burnden Park semi-final against Manchester United on the Blues 1966 path to Wembley glory?
3 The father of which currently Chelsea player scored West Ham's winner in the 1980 semi-final replay against the Blues?
4 At which ground did Howard Kendall famously open the dressing room windows so his side could hear the travelling Evertonians before a 1984 FA Cup third round clash?
5 Who did Joe Royle accidently substitute onto the pitch only for him to score two goals in the 1995 FA Cup semi-final against Tottenham at Elland Road?
Ones to watch
Everton
Louis Saha will be hoping to continue his goalscoring form against Chelsea (including one in the 3-3 draw at Stamford Bridge last season) if recovered from injury. Tim Cahill has been a thorn in Chelsea's side in past encounters and will be keen to get back on the goal trail after his Asia Cup exploits. Jose Baxter got a rare appearance from the substitute's bench at Bolton last week and looked lively when he came on.
Chelsea
Misfiring record signing Fernando Torres is cup-tied which may mean Didier Drogba gets his place in the side back after being left out for Monday's draw at Fulham. Saloman Kalou grabbed his side's equaliser in the first game at Goodison and is an under-rated presence in Chelsea's armoury. Petr Cech saved a stoppage-time penalty at Craven Cottage but has shown signs of vulnerability of late which Everton must seek to take advantage of.
Latest odds from Betfred
Chelsea - 4/9
Draw - 11/4
Everton 11/2
Quiz answers
1 Newcastle 2 Colin Harvey 3 Frank Lampard 4 Stoke City 5 Daniel Amokachi

Everton have nothing to fear against Chelsea, says Seamus Coleman
by Ian Doyle, Liverpool Daily Post
Feb 17 2011
SEAMUS COLEMAN believes Everton have nothing to fear as they aim to keep their season alive at Stamford Bridge on Saturday. David Moyes’s side travel to Chelsea in their FA Cup fourth round replay having played out a 1-1 draw at Goodison in the initial tie last month. A late equaliser by substitute Jermaine Beckford earned Everton a similar result when they visited the Londoners in a Premier League clash in December. And Coleman is confident Moyes’s men can go one better and progress to the last 16 by earning their first win over Chelsea in the competition in 55 years.
“We’ve drawn with them twice this season and probably in the FA Cup game at Goodison we had the better of them,” said the Irishman. “We know they aren’t unbeatable and we’ll be going down there confident of getting a result. “We had enough chances in the game to finish it off at Goodison and their keeper made a couple of good saves.” Coleman, a right-back by trade, has impressed hugely this season when pressed into a more advanced role down the flank, a position he expected to retain at the weekend. It would put the Republic of Ireland international in direct competition with Ashley Cole for the third time in as many months, a prospect the Everton man is relishing.
“It’s what you want as a footballer, you want to play against the best players,” said Coleman. “I’ve played against him a couple of times already this season and hopefully on Saturday I can get the upper hand. “He has a lot of experience and played at the top a long time, he is very fit and it is very hard to get the ball past him. “If I am playing, he attacks quite a lot so me being a right-back, I like to go back and defend so hopefully I can do well against him.”

Sven-Goran Eriksson can take Leicester to the Premier League, says Aiyegbeni Yakubu
Liverpool Echo
Feb 18 2011
Sven-Goran Eriksson can take Leicester to the Premier League, says Aiyegbeni Yakubu
AIYEGBENI YAKUBU remains confident Sven-Goran Eriksson can guide Leicester back to the Barclays Premier League this season. The Foxes head into tonight’s game against Bristol City four points off the play-offs, with former England boss Eriksson having turned Leicester’s form around since replacing Paulo Sousa in October. Central to the Swede’s success has been the collection of loan players he has brought to the Walkers Stadium, including Yakubu from Everton, who has scored three goals in five games. Yakubu said: “The football has been great and you have to give credit to the manager for that. “There’s no pressure on any of us. He tells us to be patient and to enjoy the game, to pass the ball quickly but not be in a rush. “When I came to Leicester I believed we could win promotion and now, there’s a long way to go, but I still believe we can do it. “For me to leave Everton and come to the club, I had to believe we could do it.”

Howard Kendall: Case for Everton FC’s defence must be tightened
by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Echo
Feb 18 2011
SOME have suggested Didier Drogba may have a point to prove against Everton on Saturday, after he was dropped for Chelsea’s Monday night game against Fulham. But for me, Drogba has nothing to prove to anyone. He might be playing second fiddle to Fernando Torres for now, but his goal-scoring record speaks for itself. He is an awesome player, only let down by his awful diving and simulating antics which upsets away fans up and down the country. If you’re the home supporters, however, you love the big man for it because it buys your team time. Everton’s defence needs to tighten up and quickly, so Saturday would be a timely match to begin. I’m not sure what is wrong with Phil Jagielka but I would say his return to the side could help. He is an England defender and one of the best at the club, so I hope there’s nothing serious behind his recent omissions from the side. John Heitinga has done well, and he was unlucky to score the own goal on Sunday, but Jagielka has had his jittery moments unusually and has even scored a few in his own net this season as well.
It’d be nice if Everton could defend tightly and keep the ball like Arsenal did against Barcelona. What a game that was – and what a performance. Pace and precision!

Howard Kendall: Gennaro Gattuso was daft - I wouldn’t mess with Joe Jordan!
by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Echo
Feb 18 2011
I WAS glued to the TV like everyone else on Tuesday night as Spurs beat AC Milan. What happened after the final whistle when Gennaro Gattuso butted Joe Jordan was terrible. What a brave man Gattuso is going for a guy twice his age like that. However, that’s not to say Joe is any slouch. He was a fearless centre forward in his playing days, and with his two front teeth missing he cut an intimidating figure. I’m not sure Gattuso knew what he was letting himself in for. I hope Uefa treat the Italian with the severity they’d reserve for an English player. Meanwhile, Harry Redknapp works wonders. Once his court case is sorted out he should be made the next England manager as soon as possible.

Everton star Jimmy Husband: Yes, my goal WAS the greatst ever scored at Goodison Park!
by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
Feb 18 2011
THE final word on our greatest Goodison goal debate should go, appropriately, if indirectly, to the goalscorer himself. Last week’s column referred to a recent Echo survey to reveal Goodison’s greatest ever goal – and the surprise outcome it produced. The surprise was that scores of readers voted for a goal which wasn’t even on our original shortlist! It was scored by Jimmy Husband against Chelsea in January 1971, and a quick trawl of our archives revealed that it deserved to be regarded so highly. “One of the best goals I’ve ever seen,” said Everton boss Harry Catterick afterwards, while the Daily Post and Echo’s veteran and respected reporters agreed. “Deserved to be put on film for the majesty of its creation and the power of its finish,” reported Michael Charters, while the Post’s Horace Yates, added: “I doubt I will see a more brilliant goal than that with which Everton lit up the scene after only eight minutes. It was poetry of motion.” On Wednesday we featured a large selection of Echo readers’ memories of the strike – with again, the majority in complete agreement.
So let’s give the last word to the man himself. Phil Claire e-mailed to say: “All the lunchtime regulars at the Royal British Legion in Newport Pagnell have voted and said yes, it was the best goal ever.
“We voted this way as Jimmy Husband himself told us it was and as he drinks with us every day, it would be rude not to agree!”
Enough said.

Howard Kendall: David Moyes was right to slam players - but Phil Neville wasn’t
by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Echo
Feb 18 2011
DAVID Moyes deserves full credit for coming out after his side’s dismal defeat and Bolton and giving it both barrels. He simply had to be honest and tell it like it was. There’s no point coming out defending your players to the hilt after a game like that, because the fans aren’t stupid and they know when they’ve seen something truly worrying. That was something Roy Hodgson never quite got right when he was Liverpool manager. Roy would come out and try to play down defeats and the nature of the team’s performances and ultimately he was doing nobody, himself in particular, any favours. Believe me, your natural instinct is to protect the dressing room and tell them when they’re bad behind closed doors – but there are exceptions and Sunday was one of those games. What I disagree with is players coming out and slating their team-mates, which is why I thought Phil Neville would have been better saying nothing – even though I accept he included himself in the dressing down. Phil’s the skipper and is an honest, articulate lad who says it like it is, and he’s widely admired for that, but I don’t like players talking about performances like that. I once made Tony Cottee pay heavily, albeit for slightly more critical comments, after he’d come out and said the reason he wasn’t scoring was because he wasn’t getting the right service. He suffered for his little outburst and was made to treat the entire squad to a Chinese meal from his own wallet.
It’s for the manager to deliver these verdicts – and David Moyes had said it all in the Reebok stadium.

Everton FC's stadium story - Liverpool Echo page archive
By Sean Bradbury
Feb 18 2011
Today's final instalment of our Everton in focus series (click here) is concerned with the club's stadium situation. Here we look back at pages from the Liverpool Echo archive telling the story of Everton FC's doomed Destination Kirkby project.
11 December 2006
The Blues reach formal agreement with Knowsley council and Tesco on leaving Goodison Park, their home of 114 years, and working towards building a new stadium in Kirkby.
20 July 2007
Plans for Everton's new stadium develop as the first pictures of the prospective £150m Kirkby ground are revealed.
21 July 2007
The Echo reveals the identity of three sites for a new stadium within Liverpool city boundaries that were offered to Everton FC.
10 June 2008
Everton FC's plans for a new stadium in Kirkby are approved by Knowsley Council. The £400m scheme proposes a 50,000 capacity stadium with a Tesco superstore on site.
19 November 2008
The public inquiry into plans to move Everton FC to Kirkby opened with a stark warning that the town’s “spiral of decline” will continue without the development
18 July 2009
A colony of water voles threatens Everton FC and Tesco's £400m move to Kirkby.
26 November 2009
The Blues vow to continue exploring new stadium options after the club's plan to move to Kirkby is scuppered when the government reject their £400m stadium and retail development proposal.
7 December 2009
Prime Minister Gordon Brown steps in to try and save Everton FC's aborted plans for a new stadium in Kirkby.
27 April 2010
With the EFC stadium plan dead and buried, Kirkby residents call for new shops and a supermarket to be built on the propsed site instead.

Everton FC hoping for late fitness boost from Louis Saha ahead of Chelsea FA Cup replay
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
Feb 18 2011
EVERTON are hoping that their Chelsea tormentor Louis Saha could yet return for Saturday’s FA cup showdown. The French striker was believed to have resumed training at Finch Farm yesterday, as he battles to recover from a hamstring injury in time for the crunch fourth round replay at Stamford Bridge. Saha, 32, has scored five times in five games against the reigning Premier League champions, and while he is still considered a doubt to start the game, Everton’s medical staff will do all they can to at least get him in shape for a place on the bench. David Moyes will be praying Saha responds to treatment, after his side looked sorely in need of some striking edge during their 2-0 defeat by Bolton on Sunday. But if Saha, who has scored nine times this season, does not recover, Moyes may well be tempted to hand Jermaine Beckford a starting place. Beckford, who signed from Leeds United in the summer, has been finding his feet at the top level this term although he has notched four goals so far in a royal blue shirt, one of them the equaliser against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in December. “As I have jumped up two leagues, the majority of this season I am looking at as a learning curve, getting used to the tempo. But I am having great fun,” he said. “Scoring at Anfield (has been my favourite moment). It meant so much to score and the way the fans reacted was amazing! The fans were incredible that day. “I knew my first season would be one where I learnt the Everton way of doing things. I know there is stuff I need to improve on and I am working hard to do so. I know I can learn from Louis Saha and the other guys here. I am sure more starts and more goals will follow. “I have always looked up to Louis as a player. His movement, his eye for goal, everything he does is phenomenal. “Also David Moyes is a brilliant manager. Knowing that he doesn't have the biggest budget but seeing what he achieved was exciting. Also I look at the club and feel I can add a lot on the pitch.” The 27-year-old is hoping to be able to play a part against Carlo Ancelotti’s side, after stressing his awe at the Blues travelling support. He said: “I see we've sold all 6,000 tickets for Chelsea – that is amazing! Our away support is great. We're looking forward to it. Every player is going to give 100 per cent. It would be great to get back to the final again. I scored there last time and I would love to get another and help us get through.” Beckford admitted he has found playing as an occasional lone front-man at Goodison a challenge. He said: “I have always played in a two which suits me down to the ground. But coming here I have had to learn to play on my own. I found it difficult to start with but am getting used to it.”

Everton striker Jermaine Beckford is happy at Goodison and is eyeing Cup success at Stamford Bridge
by Ian Doyle, Liverpool Daily Post
Feb 18 2011
JERMAINE BECKFORD insists he has no regrets over his move to Everton – as he set his sights on a Stamford Bridge replay tomorrow. Beckford has been restricted to just eight starts since making a leap of two divisions to join from then League One side Leeds United on a free transfer last summer.
David Moyes has instead used the striker primarily from the bench, with half of Beckford’s six goals coming from his 16 substitute appearances this season. With Louis Saha sidelined, the 27-year-old will challenge Victor Anichebe for a starting role in tomorrow’s FA Cup fourth round replay at Chelsea. But despite a failure to thus far become a regular in the first team, Beckford believes he made the right decision moving to Goodison and can continue to improve under the tutelage of Moyes and his coaching staff. “I have no regrets,” said the striker. “As I have jumped up two leagues, the majority of this season I am looking at as a learning curve, getting used to the tempo, the new team-mates and tactics. But I am having great fun. “I knew my first season would be one where I learnt the Everton way of doing things. I know there is stuff I need to improve on and I am working hard to do so. “I know I can learn from Louis Saha and the other guys here. I am sure more starts and more goals will follow. “Louis is an inspiration to me. I have always looked up to him as a player. His movement, his eye for goal, everything he does is phenomenal. “It is great to see that every day and learn first hand.”

Everton striker Jermaine Beckford is happy at Goodison and is eyeing Cup success at Stamford Bridge
by Ian Doyle, Liverpool Daily Post
Feb 18 2011
JERMAINE BECKFORD insists he has no regrets over his move to Everton – as he set his sights on a Stamford Bridge replay tomorrow. Beckford has been restricted to just eight starts since making a leap of two divisions to join from then League One side Leeds United on a free transfer last summer.
David Moyes has instead used the striker primarily from the bench, with half of Beckford’s six goals coming from his 16 substitute appearances this season. With Louis Saha sidelined, the 27-year-old will challenge Victor Anichebe for a starting role in tomorrow’s FA Cup fourth round replay at Chelsea. But despite a failure to thus far become a regular in the first team, Beckford believes he made the right decision moving to Goodison and can continue to improve under the tutelage of Moyes and his coaching staff. “I have no regrets,” said the striker. “As I have jumped up two leagues, the majority of this season I am looking at as a learning curve, getting used to the tempo, the new team-mates and tactics. But I am having great fun. “I knew my first season would be one where I learnt the Everton way of doing things. I know there is stuff I need to improve on and I am working hard to do so. “I know I can learn from Louis Saha and the other guys here. I am sure more starts and more goals will follow. “Louis is an inspiration to me. I have always looked up to him as a player. His movement, his eye for goal, everything he does is phenomenal. “It is great to see that every day and learn first hand.” Beckford added: “I am really enjoying it so far. We have a good set of lads, who have made me feel welcome from day one. The management have been helpful and it is a really positive place to work. “What’s my favourite moment so far? Easy! Scoring at Anfield. It meant so much to score and the way the fans reacted was amazing! The fans were incredible that day.” Among Beckford’s goals as substitute came at Chelsea in December, when his late header earned Moyes’s men a deserved 1-1 draw. And the forward is keen for another chance to score at the home of the champions – while threatening to grow a Marouane Fellaini-style afro should Everton go on to lift the FA Cup in May. “We’re looking forward to it,” said Beckford of tomorrow’s game. “Every player is going to give 100%. It would be great to get back to the final again. “I scored there last time and I would love to get another and help us get through. “I see we’ve sold all 6,000 tickets for Chelsea – that is amazing! Our away support is sick. “If we win a trophy this year I will grow my hair like Felli!”

Chelsea V Everton
By Matt Lewis
Feb 18 2011 The Fulham and Hammersmith Chronicals
DIDIER Drogba will return to the Chelsea starting line-up for Saturday's FA Cup fourth round replay with Everton tomorrow. The Ivorian was forced to take his place on the bench at Craven Cottage on Monday night as Chelsea were held to a draw by neighbours Fulham. But with new-signing Fernando Torres ineligble for the tie having played for Liverpool in round three, Drogba has been recalled to the starting XI by Blues boss Carlo Ancelotti. "Drogba will start," revealed Ancelotti. "I don't know about Nicolas Anelka, but I have to start with Drogba.” Jose Bosingwa misses out with an injury picked up on international duty, while Yuri Zhirkov returns to the squad after a lengthy injury lay-off. Aneclotti added: “Yuri Zhirkov is available to play. He will not start but I hope he will have an opportunity. Bosingwa is out but will be available for Tuesday.” The Toffees will be without injured striker Louis Saha and midfielder Jack Rodwell for the trip to Stamford Bridge. Chelsea are yet to record a victory against beaten Everton since triumphing against David Moyes' men in the 2009 FA Cup final.

Moyes rallies Everton for final shot at saving a desperate season
By Ian Herbert, The Independant
Saturday, 19 February 2011
David Moyes on the 2009 final: 'We felt a bit empty when we came back. We knew we had a chance but we didn't play well' David Moyes shared digs with Joe Jordan in their Bristol City days and shares a fair few of his compatriot's characteristics, too, so the Everton manager certainly raised a laugh yesterday when he inadvertently and incongruously slipped a Robbie Williams lyric into his analysis of where his club currently stands in the football firmament. Beating Chelsea in the 2009 FA Cup final "might have allowed us to say we are back, and back for good," Moyes declared. He hadn't meant to sound so cheesy – "That's 'Take That' isn't it?" he said, when his brain computed what had just tumbled out – but given how far away Everton stand from fulfilling a lyric penned in 1995, the year they swept past Manchester United to lift the FA Cup, there was a dark resonance there for any pessimists who care to look. The side Moyes takes back into combat with Chelsea in the FA Cup fourth round replay at Stamford Bridge today are certainly a long way from the place they stood on that sunlit Wembley afternoon nearly two years ago. Last Sunday's league defeat at Bolton, arguably their worst display in Moyes' nine years on Merseyside, was a reaffirmation of how badly Sir Alex Ferguson got it wrong when he persistently tipped Everton for the top four, pre-season. "It was rubbish, no doubt," Moyes yesterday reflected (of the game, not the prediction) and defeat in west London would certainly leave Everton in a dark place, with only relegation to fight against.
Moyes said his players had still not got that Wembley defeat to Guus Hiddink's side out of their systems when they reassembled for pre-season training six weeks later. "I thought we felt a bit empty when we came back in. We knew that we had a chance, we didn't play that well and didn't quite get there. We were all still hurt," he recalled. But Goodison will seem a far more desperate place on Monday if Everton – without Louis Saha, leaving them short on strikers again this season – go out. "Forty points will be enough," Tim Cahill said yesterday of the league struggles ahead, not exactly what Everton fans want to hear. How has it come to this? How close to calamity have Everton fallen this season? Well, not as close as the rumour mill has it. Suggestions that the club were close to administration last month, seemingly on the basis of the fact that the year-end results were published marginally later than usual, were a source of understandable anger to those seeking to navigate a course for the club. A victory at the Reebok would actually have taken them three points off Owen Coyle's eighth-placed side with a game in hand. Moyes agreed yesterday that Everton's years of over-achievement have actually created a greater sense of "crisis" than there would be at a club who had not punched above their weight so consistently. Yet the future is not within Moyes' control. Though the 2009 team essentially remains intact – minus Steven Pienaar, the significance of whose loss to Tottenham cannot be over-estimated – Everton's financial results earlier this month, with 10.7 per cent wage growth exceeding revenue growth at a greater rate in percentage terms than at most Premier League clubs, and £4.5m interest payments draining the club, revealed the financial chasm developing between Everton and their former peers. Moyes, who has spent only what he has raised for the past three years, has already spoken of the risk of losing Marouane Fellaini if he and others cannot be convinced that Everton are going places. Pronouncements by the Belgian's father that Chelsea are interested are lost on no one. Moyes still seems to believe it is in his power to change things, though. "I think the perception of the club is down to the team and the manager and at the moment we are not doing well enough. It is up to us to change the perception," he insisted. Rarely in the Premier League era has a club owed so much to one manager as Everton and thus, once again, chairman Bill Kenwright finds himself wondering whether Moyes really can revive the spirit which David Ginola, one of Moyes' first and briefest recruits, last weekend declared had gone. Can a manager's team talk carry the same weight after seven years of hearing it? Cahill, who has attracted more criticism than most Everton players this season, answered the second question. "There is no sense from me that the manager's message isn't getting across," he said. "He has helped make my career, he has helped make a lot of players' careers and I think we need to remember the good stuff not just on the pitch but off it that he has done, and repay that." Another source of improbable motivation for Cahill is the way Scott Parker is leading West Ham. Everton need some of that, though Cahill also feels that Moyes' oldest message – about defensive resilience – has been lost and that the lesser clubs whom Everton once sailed past have now worked the club out. "We have probably played too much football this season and it has worked against us," Cahill said. "Other seasons we have prided ourselves on being one of the best teams defensively and winning ugly, winning 1-0, and you have to find a happy medium. It is nice to play beautiful football but now it is starting to take its toll. We just need to go back and scrap and fight. Everyone who plays Everton used to say we are one of the strongest and hardest teams to play against. We need to bring that back quite quickly." A consequence of the trend Cahill points to is that Everton's performances against the leading sides is far better – the two Manchester sides, Liverpool, Tottenham and Chelsea are cases in point – which is why Moyes dares to feel some confidence heading into west London. "We lost to Shrewsbury in the FA Cup [in 2003] and the gulf between us and them was bigger than the gap between us and Chelsea," the manager reflected. "Hopefully the Cup will become the Cup and we can bridge that gap." Quite what this fine club will do when Moyes departs does not bear contemplation. But a win today will at least mean that pessimists in the L4 postcode on Monday will be talking of a winnable fifth-round tie with Reading, no league matches against top-six sides until 23 April, the promise of Jack Rodwell and Seamus Coleman, Ross Barclay beginning light jogging at last in the long road back from a broken leg – and an Everton side back for the time being, if not for good.
Moyes' Miserable Season
21/09/10
*Everton crash out of the Carling Cup to Brentford in the third round after losing on penalties in September, reserve goalkeeper Richard Lee saving Jermaine Beckford's penalty as the Bees win 4-3 in the shoot-out
27/11/10
*Ten-man Everton lost 4-1 at Goodison Park to fellow relegation candidates West Bromwich Albion in November, with playmaker Mikel Arteta sent off for a stamp on Gonzalo Jara
18/01/11
*Steven Pienaar's contract dispute ends predictably badly for Everton, who are forced to lose their playmaker on the cheap to Tottenham Hotspur during the January transfer window
13/02/11
*Louis Saha hits a purple patch with eight goals in six games...before injury strikes again. Everton muster one shot on target in the 2-0 at defeat at Bolton, "a performance as bad as I can remember since I have been in charge," says David Moyes

Tim Cahill calls on Everton team-mates to repay manager David MoyesThe Australian refuses to believe that Everton's decline is terminal and says players must get back to working hard
Andy Hunter The Guardian, Saturday 19 February The Guardian
David Moyes has started quoting Take That, which, scraping the barrel for positives, at least shows he retains a capacity to surprise after nine years at Everton. A squad tiring of its master's voice is one theory offered for Everton's reverse, a lack of investment, proven goalscorer and confidence among the others. The alternative presented by Tim Cahill is why he refuses to accept that decline is terminal: underachieving players who owe their manager a serious debt. The major indictment of Everton's season is that it will not be over should they exit the FA Cup at the home of the holders, Chelsea, on Saturday. They still have Premier League survival to address. Everton head for Stamford Bridge having produced what Moyes labelled the worst performance of his distinguished tenure at Bolton Wanderers on Sunday, a 2-0 defeat that left the club three points above the relegation zone and invited accusations that commitment and team spirit are also part of the problem. Moyes took full responsibility for what occurred at the Reebok Stadium. The club captain, Phil Neville, then did likewise on behalf of the players. Cahill is another who accepts accountability for Everton's plight but insists a squad that remains united behind the manager must begin to repay his faith. "There are three months left in a massive season and I don't feel the alarm bells should be ringing out," said the Australia international, whose nine goals have been instrumental in keeping Everton out of the bottom three. "We should look at what we have got: great staff, great fans, great team and remember what we are good at, which is grafting with the best of them for every game rather than just chosen ones. "As hard as it is for the players and the staff it must be especially difficult for the supporters to watch indifferent performances week in, week out. We need to find a consistency between playing in the big games and remembering that Bolton is a massive game as well. This is where we see the true leaders and the true team spirit that we were lacking at Bolton." It was only three weeks ago that Everton should have beaten the champions in the fourth round at Goodison Park, and two years since losing in the FA Cup final to Guus Hiddink's team at Wembley. "Everton has been seen as a club that is growing and trying to get back in with the elite in the country," said Moyes. "But winning silverware that day might have allowed us to say we are back, and back for good. That's Take That, isn't it?" Indeed, and so was Everything Changes and Pray. Aside from the first non-football reference of his Everton career, Moyes's ideas and decision to invest in new contracts for Cahill, Mikel Arteta, Leighton Baines, Jack Rodwell and others last summer is, according to the Australian, why he has not gone stale or lost the backing of his players. "The hardest thing as a player is letting your manager down, the fans and then yourselves," says Cahill. "There is no sense from me that the manager's message isn't getting across. He has helped make my career. He has helped make a lot of players' careers and we need to remember the good stuff, not just on the pitch but what he's done for us off it and repay that. "You can mention whoever you want and he's helped them. Steven Pienaar was playing in the Champions League the other night, Joleon Lescott is playing for one of the biggest teams in the world, and they have a lot to thank this manager for. He resurrected their careers. A lot of us wouldn't be at Everton if it wasn't for the manager. Yes, we've done a bit ourselves but the guidance we received off him has been invaluable. "I look around the dressing room and Johnny [Heitinga] played in the World Cup final, Mikel is one of the best players in the Premier League, Phil Neville has won six Premier League titles, there's [Marouane] Fellaini and a lot of other internationals in the team. I look around the team and see superstars and it is all about us finding each other again and making sure we remember how good we are and trust each other on the pitch again. It is not only Chelsea this weekend, but Sunderland next week and in training. There are a lot of players on new contracts with bright futures with Everton and we need to repay the manager, the chairman and the fans by showing that." The Bolton performance followed the release of Everton's latest financial results, which revealed debt of £47.6m and was accompanied by an admission from the club's chief executive, Robert Elstone, that transfer funds will again be restricted this summer. The perception that Everton are on a downward spiral, however, prompts a fierce rebuke from Cahill. "We have to focus on what we have got, which is a lot of players on new contracts and the boss fighting to keep his best players," he says. "Everyone always blames the manager and the chairman but if you don't have the money, you don't have the money. "I knew when I was signing the footprint of the club and what was happening. The only thing that has happened this year is that we haven't produced as players. It could have been a lot different if we as a team had produced better."

Everton FC season won't hinge on FA Cup replay says David Moyes
by Greg O'Keeffe, DPW West
Feb 19 2011
DAVID MOYES has rubbished suggestions that Everton FC’s season hinges on today’s FA Cup replay at Chelsea. A dismal loss at Bolton last weekend left the Toffees just three points above the Premier League relegation zone and highlighted the inconsistency which has hampered their frustrating campaign.
But although the FA Cup would appear to offer Moyes the best hope of success this season, the Scot does not want to view it that way. Everton face a tough test in the fourth round of the competition after fighting out a 1-1 draw with the holders when they initially met at Goodison Park three weeks ago. Moyes said: “It is no different from the way I felt a few weeks ago. “If you ask, ‘Does this make or break your season, is this your season over?’ – that’s a load of rubbish. “The season is never over, you have got to play all the games that are put in front of you. “Hopefully we will keep going through and get as far as we can but if we get knocked out, we get knocked out. “We still have to play our league games and with the position we are in, we need to pick up more points. “The cup becomes important but no more important than it was before.” Meanwhile, Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel has labelled Everton one of the toughest sides to play in England. The Londoners have not beaten the Blues since Carlo Ancelotti took over as manager in 2009, with David Moyes’ team winning once and four games ending drawn. And Chelsea may well start as favourites at Stamford Bridge, but Mikel is taking nothing for granted. He knows his side will have to be at their peak if they are to continue on the path to a historic third straight FA Cup win. No team has lifted the famous trophy three times in succession in the modern era with it last being done in the 1880s by Blackburn Rovers and only once prior to that – by Wanderers in the 1860s. But Mikel said: “Everton are a very good side, a very hard team to beat and a physical side. “In almost five years at Chelsea I've never come out of a game against them thinking I'd had an easy ride. It is always difficult so we will have to see what happens but we are confident and we know we can do it if we play well.” And Mikel added: “To win the FA Cup three times in a row would be good for us but we know what trophies this club wants, the FA Cup is a big one but we are looking forward to getting back into action in the Champions League as well.” Meanwhile, Everton’s 19-year-old midfielder James Wallace has joined Stockport County on loan. The academy graduate joins the League Two outfit on an emergency one month deal. FA Cup: Everton fighting to save their season and stop their decline by winning replay at Chelsea It was the statement Everton have longed to read, and longed to publish, for almost a decade. Among regular inquiries from interested investors, specific talks with an American consortium were under way. Another Merseyside club would soon be in foreign hands. The club in question, though, was not Everton. It was Tranmere.

Plenty to think about: Everton manager David Moyes
19 Feb 2011 The Telegraph
The timing of the news was particularly soul-destroying. It came little more than a week after the scale of Everton’s enduring penury was laid bare by the publication of the club’s accounts: debt up to £44.9million, operating loss at £3.1million, a wage bill that accounts for a far-from-ideal 69 per cent of turnover. And it emerged less than 48 hours before Saturday’s FA Cup fourth-round replay at Stamford Bridge which determines whether Everton, 13th in the Premier League, will have any further interest in this season. Their opponents, too, are particularly telling: whether Moyes’s ninth year at Goodison Park will end prematurely rests in the hands of the team who afflicted the defeat which may come to define his entire reign. “I think that silverware might have allowed the club to say we are back among the top clubs in the country for good,” says the Scot of the defeat to Chelsea in the 2009 FA Cup final. “It could have made a difference to how the club was seen. Winning it would have said we were back on the map.” As it is, goals from Didier Drogba and Frank Lampard denied Moyes the trophy he so craves; all the Scot has to remember from his trip to Wembley is a runners-up medal he has never even opened and the lingering sensation that the team he led out that day represented the high watermark of all his achievements at Goodison Park. “That was probably the best side we have had,” he admits. “We were in that period where we had bits of experience through the European games. That helped. That team and that group were as good as we have had, though the next season we played good stuff as well.” It is hard to avoid the conclusion that Everton’s near miss at Wembley was, like the Champions League defeat to Villarreal four years earlier, the moment a cycle ended, a glass ceiling hit. Steven Pienaar, Joseph Yobo and Joleon Lescott of that side have left; more will follow this summer, unless Moyes can find a way to convince them Everton can satiate their ambitions. That is why Tranmere’s good fortune seems so painful: if only Kenwright could find a buyer, perhaps Everton would not now find themselves seemingly powerless to arrest their slide. Manager, players, chairman and board are all being blamed for the stagnation which seems to be setting in, the lack of progress that will be crystallised if Everton lose this lunchtime. Kenwright stands accused of condemning Everton to spend only what they have raised for three years, watching not only Sunderland and Stoke develop deeper pockets but, this season, Blackpool, too, and of hampering the club’s progress by failing to release Goodison Park from his affectionate grip. So dissatisfied are supporters at Kenwright’s inability to find an investor — “the billionaire is yet to knock on the front door,” says chief executive Robert Elstone — that a trust is planned to replace a board that appears locked in stalemate, caught between a refusal to invest and Kenwright’s unwillingness to risk becoming a second David Moores, the former Liverpool owner made a pariah for selling to Tom Hicks and George Gillett. Lord Grantchester and Robert Earl, holders of a third of the club’s shares, sit 14th and 32nd respectively on football’s rich list, yet neither has invested any money to alleviate the financial pressure. That situation shows no sign of changing without a new stadium. After the collapse of the unpopular plan to relocate Everton to Kirkby, no new stadium is on the horizon. Yet Moyes, to some, is not absolved from blame. It is the Scot who has built the league’s seventh-highest wage bill without ever winning away at the former 'Big Four’; it was he who spent £8.7million on Diniyar Bilyaletdinov, a high price for a substitute when money is tight. And the players, too, are no innocents. “You either have the money or you don’t,” says Tim Cahill. “There are circumstances at the club but nothing has changed. I look around the team and see superstars. There are a lot of players on new contracts with bright futures here, and we need to repay the manager, the chairman and the fans.” There remains the possibility, though, that the only way Cahill and his cohorts can do that is by allowing the club to realise their value. If Kenwright cannot, will not, find money, Moyes must make it. It is an unpalatable option, but deconstructing the side he has built may be the only way to stop Everton falling away as they stand still. Producing a statement such as that published by Tranmere may stave off that need, of course. So too winning today, if it leads to winning at Wembley. Moyes remains desperate to put Everton back on the map. His options, though, are limited.

Manchester United to resume chase for Everton starlet Rodwell with £15m summer bid
By Ian Ladyman
19th February 2011 The Daily Mail
Manchester United's summer spending will be kicked off with a £15million bid for Everton teenager Jack Rodwell. United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has been an admirer of the England Under 21 midfielder for 18 months. He considered a bid for Rodwell in January but decided to hold off after learning that Everton would not let the 19-year-old go before the end of the season. Writing in the match programme before last weekend's Manchester derby, Ferguson said: 'We had an interest in one player and had a chance of bringing him in, but the other parties involved weren't ready and so we have put it away until the summer.' Sportsmail understands Rodwell was that player and that Ferguson is confident of landing him this summer. Everton manager David Moyes fended off United's interest last year by handing the youngster a new contract but Ferguson will not give up on Rodwell.

Barry Horne: Champions League ticket price administration fees outrageous
by Barry Horne, Liverpool Echo
Feb 19 2011
THERE has been a lot of hulabaloo made about the ticket prices for the Champions League final. The cheapest ticket on general sale are at £176 which is bad enough but the administration fee which will rightly make fans irate. For essentially booking your ticket and getting it put in an envelope, it will cost you an extra £26. Whoever is distributing these tickets will be making a lot of money but you can’t help but feel the supporters are being ripped off. There are cheaper tickets - priced at £80 - are available for fans connected with the two clubs who contest the final. Either way it must be the most expensive final.

Barry Horne: Praise of Barcelona over the top
by Barry Horne, Liverpool Echo
Feb 19 2011
SPEAKING about wild punditry, I watched one of the most fantastic football matches you could imagine this week. I’m sure I was not alone in being spellbound and astonished by the quality of football Arsenal and Barcelona served up on Wednesday night. There is something truly special about the knockout stages of the Champions League and as much as we are intrigued and love our domestic league, the biggest stage in Europe is ‘where it’s at’. It was a clash of two of the best sides around but it became apparent many of the pundits came only to ‘worship the king’ - Barcelona. In this country, the media were wearing turquoise tinted glasses because they were raving about Barcelona and how Arsenal had “dug in”. That infers the London club were not worthy of being there but if you managed to read any of the foreign press reports then you would have seen the plaudits were largely for Arsenal and that is how I felt about the game. For anyone who regularly reads this column, then they will be aware how my respect for Arsene Wenger has slowly diminished over the season. But there can be no doubting his footballing philosophy. Arsenal had as many shots on goal and nearly as many chances as Barcelona at the Emirates and they scored one of the greatest goals you will ever see. Credit to them and in particular Samir Nasri and Jack Wilshere.

Where would David Moyes go after Everton FC? Why not Germany?
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
Feb 19 2011
TRUST Neville Southall to decline from mincing his words about Everton – even when quizzed on radio by a former team-mate. Big Nev was in conversation with Talk Sport’s new host Andy Gray on Friday when the former Blues striker asked him about whether David Moyes could leave in the summer. “Where would he go?”, replied Nev, tongue presumably in cheek. “I know there’s a job going at Sky but I don’t think he’d fancy that,” cue a forced cackle from his old team-mate. “If they give him money to spend he’ll be as good as any manager Everton have ever had. But he’s going to the pound store when everyone else is going to Marks & Spencer.” It’s a common topic of conversation – where would Moyes go after his time at Goodison had run its course? Celtic? Manchester United? Manchester City? Spurs? All suggestions which could generate a valid argument. But for my money, in lieu of the coveted number one spot at Old Trafford, Moyes may be tempted to try his hand on the continent, and where better than the Bundesliga? A meritocracy where un-fancied, less-wealthy clubs like Hoffenheim and St Pauli can achieve success in a division not solely dominated by the cash-rich. Coupled with the efficient German style, it could be a match made in heaven.

Frank Lampard backs himself to score against Everton FC
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
Feb 19 2011
FROM ecstasy to agony – Frank Lampard’s goal 18 minutes before the end of the 2009 FA Cup final was a major low in the recent memory of many Blues. Ominously ahead of today’s game, the England midfielder says he always fancies his chances against Everton. He said: “I’ve had a good run against Everton. “There are some clubs you get a certain thing over and you tend to score against them. “The goal in the cup final is one of my favourites. But they are a very dangerous and effective team. “They have good players who can hurt you and good aerial players with power.”

Barry Horne: David Moyes has lifted the gloom before and can do it again
by Barry Horne, Liverpool Echo
Feb 19 2011
IT was well apparent before the first Chelsea game, the importance of an extended cup run could be for the morale of the everyone at the club, especially of the fans. The financial implications are neither here nor there, a run in the FA Cup is for confidence. Since Chelsea came to Goodison the latest league match has left a real downer on everyone at the club - it was a truly insipid performance at the Reebok Stadium. Perhaps even more worrying that the result was when the cameras panned to David Moyes (inset) and showed the manager with a look of dejection and resignation as much as anger and disappointment. Moyes has been in similar situations before and has always managed to drag us out of it and onto better things. Although it must be said the last time feelings were running so low at the club was quite some a while ago and the manager will have had more enthusiasm and energy for the project than he possibly has now. But Moyes has proven time and time again that when the going gets tough, he turns things around and often when you least expect. The people at the club have got to get us out of this and there has to be belief that these same people, of whom there were high expectations in the summer, can improve the situation. I watched Chelsea’s last game at Fulham and found some overly excited punditry criticising the tactics of manager Carlo Ancelotti which I found difficult to reason with. Chelsea have so many quality players you never know how they will set up so the Everton must approach with a solid base and hope for a few moments of inspiration. They have a good recent record at Stamford Bridge and once again must set up to play their own game.

We owe David Moyes insists Everton FC's Tim Cahill
Liverpool Echo
Feb 19 2011
TIM CAHILL says Everton’s players must raise their game for manager David Moyes in this weekend’s FA Cup clash against Chelsea after the disappointing showing against Bolton last week. ‘Nobody cares more than the manager,' said Cahill, tackling the weighty issue that is Everton's abject campaign. “The hardest thing as a player is letting your manager down, the fans and then yourselves. He didn't need to say much after Bolton. The reaction has to come in training.” Everton might be three points off the relegation zone and have a weaker squad than before the transfer window yet there is no sense they will face Chelsea today in an FA Cup fourth-round replay with their tails between their legs. Moyes may have been enraged by the insipid performance of his players at Bolton last Sunday yet his actions in the time since have been those of a man who will not let all he has worked so hard for slip away. He is approaching the ninth anniversary of his appointment at Goodison Park but Moyes still has the ability to surprise. When many expected him to read the riot act the morning after that 2-0 defeat at the Reebok Stadium, he took a completely different approach. Carefully and considerately, Moyes has built up the belief of those whose confidence had been damaged. Everton have big issues to address but worrying about whether their manager has the stomach for a fight is not on the agenda. There is no sense from me that the manager's message isn't getting across,” said Cahill, Everton's leading scorer. “There are circumstances at the club but it has been the same every year. We have to make do with what we have got. “A lot of players are on new contracts and we need to repay the manager, the chairman and the fans. “The only thing that has happened this year is that we haven't produced as players. It could have been a lot different if we had produced better results. We have probably played too much football and it has worked against us. In the past we have prided ourselves on being one of the best teams defensively and winning ugly. You have to find a happy medium. It is nice to play beautiful football but now it is starting to take its toll. We just need to go back and scrap.” Few will relish the thought of a skirmish more than Cahill. As someone who has battled his way from humble beginnings to the top of his profession, he shoots down the perception that Everton's squad has lost its hunger and unity. “If you can't be motivated to play at a club like this, then you shouldn't be here,” he said. “Look at Scott Parker inspiring West Ham and they are bottom of the league. Whether it is me or Phil Neville who carries the can because we are the most experienced players here, that doesn't bother me.” “What bothers me is that we fight between now and the end of the season to get out of this situation. I am convinced we can. We were really average against Bolton. We need to pick ourselves up and this is a massive opportunity.”

Quiet man Jermaine Beckford wants to let his goals speak loudly at Everton FC
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
Feb 19 2011
JERMAINE Beckford is a quiet man who prefers, in the ripe old tradition of football cliche, to let his football do the talking. So, during his debut season in the Premier League, how has the chatter gone? Some Evertonians insist it has been a dull patter with only occasionally interesting bon mots, others claim evidence he’s a David Niven-esque raconteur in the making. Beckford has scored six goals in just eight starts in all competitions (one at Stamford Bridge!). It’s not a record to be sniffed at, and he has made 14 willing cameos from the bench when he has never lacked effort, pace and tireless attempts at running the channels. The 27-year-old, who normally politely shuns press interviews, took time out to take part in a webchat with Everton’s official website on Thursday and it revealed his down-to-earth nature. Suitably for a player who once fitted windscreens on cars for the RAC he is relatively ego-free and happy to be where he is after an inauspicious start to his football career. His ultimate ambition, it would seem, is to try and enjoy a season as teeming with goals as his last at Leeds United, when he scored 31 in 52 appearances. “It would be brilliant to have a season at Everton like the ones I had at Leeds. Score lots of goals and work really hard for the team,” he said. “My best goal so far was a goal against Bristol Rovers to send Leeds up to the Championship. Timing, positioning and the finish and it had great sentimental value as we had been trying to get up for a while.” But it was his next admission which was more revealing. Asked how he enjoyed working as a fitter, he said: “Treated me very well! I had lots of fun with the people – down to earth everyday people. After football the best time I had working. “The best things about being a Premier League footballer are you keep fit, and you get paid to do what you love doing. “On the downside, the attention you get from it. I am a very private person and don't want to see myself in the paper. I like to blend in and do my own thing!” Beckford is not from an affluent background. Born in Ealing, London, he has experienced the less salubrious side of life and previous coaches have admitted there were times when he needed to be guided. Veteran Wealdstone boss Gordon Bartlett helped nurture Beckford in those early days, and will be tuning into Match of the Day on Saturday night with special interest to monitor the progress of a young player he remembers fondly. “We got hold of Jermaine as a youth player when his Chelsea move didn’t work out,” says Bartlett. “I was coaching the Middlesex county side as well and I spotted him playing for them. “He was the most natural finisher I have ever seen. “He is confident beyond belief and I would say that’s one of his biggest assets. “He never gets tense in front of goal like a lot of strikers do. “Jermaine is the type of player who goes to congratulate the keeper if he saves one of his shots, because he knows he’ll just score past him next time. “Some of the goals he scored for us were out of this world. I won’t deny there were times when I was tearing my hair out with him. “He was a young lad, only just coming up but there was never any doubt he could go on to a successful future in the game.” “I did a lot of patient nurturing with him and it paid off. I always believed in his ability. “We sent him out on loan when he was here a few times to help him. “I think that (loan moves in non-league football) made him realise it wasn’t too bad at Wealdstone. “I’ve got everything crossed that he takes this opportunity and gets the best out of it. “It will be satisfying for us all if he does well at Everton.” Very few have anything but praise for Beckford. He may yet discover his voice at Everton, and he may yet fulfil his dream of a season when the goals don’t stop.

Everton FC ready to atone for Bolton no-show by leaving their fantastic fans smiling after FA Cup show-down
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
Feb 19 2011
Everton fansTHEY have descended on the capital in their thousands, most rising at ungodly hours after a hard working week to make the journey South in hope. Everton’s fantastic travelling support will bid to impose their deeper shade of blue on the Chelsea fans at Stamford Bridge today, as a sold-out away end will sway to the tune of 6,000 Bluenoses. And while the rousing racket of the sold-out away end crashes into the ears of Everton’s players, there should be another sentiment echoing in the back of Carlo Ancelotti’s mind ahead of the lunch-time FA Cup show down. Beware an angry, let-down David Moyes. It is very rare that an Everton side under Moyes would dare produce two performances as abject as the one witnessed by supporters at Bolton’s Reebok stadium in the rain last weekend. The Scot demands atonement and usually gets it post-haste. Consider this season, just last month. The Blues chose New Year’s Day to produce a slumbering no-show at Stoke’s Britannia Stadium, and responded by vanquishing Spurs at Goodison only a few days later. Once again, Moyes is demanding a response after a performance in Bolton he described as one of the worst in his nine years at the club. The manager took full responsibility for the 2-0 defeat but said he might need to “toughen up” on the players. He added: “We have tended to respond after a bad game, tended to do something about it. Let’s hope we do that again. “I think up until the game at Bolton we hadn’t done an awful lot wrong. “Obviously we would like to be further up the league but I think we have been playing fine. “If we can put the Reebok last Sunday away and move on and play the way we have been, we’ll be Okay. “You will only be able to tell on Saturday evening. The players could respond and we could still lose the game, but I think I want to see things I didn't see on Sunday, the attitude and the spirit to do things about it when things aren't going right. “You want to get through but it is tough. The tie has turned in the favour of Chelsea because we have to go down there and we know how hard that is. No-one should underestimate them, they are a very good side.” Chelsea have won the FA Cup for the past two seasons – beating Everton in the 2009 final – and not lost in the competition since a shock defeat by Barnsley in the 2008 quarter-finals. Their current form, however, remains indifferent and, with them slipping behind the pace in the Premier League, Moyes is hoping they are now making the Champions League their top priority. The Londoners face Copenhagen in the last-16 stage of that competition on Tuesday, while they still have much to do to guarantee qualification for it next year. Moyes said: “I think they are admitting the Champions League is the thing they are aiming for. “It does look as if the league may be beyond them, but they will also have a challenge to make sure they are in a Champions League position. I don’t think they could ever afford to let that go. “They haven’t lost an FA Cup game for a few years now so, let’s put it in perspective – it is a really tough job. “But it is hard for those clubs to keep competing on all fronts and let’s hope they decide the FA Cup is the one they are not that keen on. “You could see the quality from the games this week as well. I’m hoping they are thinking about that more so than my game. “I can only react to what I’m hearing and if they think the Champions League is the one thing they would like to try and win great, but I’m also not that daft to think that they believe the FA Cup becomes important as well.” Moyes knows that even if the Londoners’ priorities are ultimately elsewhere, their line-up will still be formidable. “Carlo Ancelotti has always put out a strong side while he’s been there though,” he says. “There are very few games you can say he has put out anything resembling a weakened side.” Everton are without their goalscorer from the first game, Louis Saha, who is still troubled by a hamstring injury and rated as highly doubtful. Jack Rodwell is ahead of schedule in his recovery but also won’t feature. Moyes said: “There are going to be periods in the game when we have to dig deep, and stick with it but there is a bit of confidence in our play and we saw that when we played them at Goodison. “We need to have a similar performance, maybe with a bit more luck.” The Goodison chief added that his players haven't been practising penalties this week, despite the possibility of spot-kicks. "You can never have a plan in place for the order because you don't know who is going to be on the pitch at the time," he explained. “If you have played 120 minutes, it tends to be that it's not the players you thought it would be at the start.”

This is not make or break insists David Moyes ahead of Everton FC's FA Cup clash with Chelsea
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
Feb 19 2011
Everton FC manager David MoyesDAVID Moyes insists Everton’s season does not hinge on today’s FA Cup replay at Chelsea. A dismal loss at Bolton last weekend left the Toffees just three points above the Premier League relegation zone and highlighted the inconsistency which has hampered their frustrating campaign. But although the FA Cup would appear to offer Moyes the best hope of success this season, the Scot does not view it that way. Everton face a tough test in the fourth round of the competition after fighting out a 1-1 draw with the holders when they initially met at Goodison Park three weeks ago. Moyes said: “It is no different from the way I felt a few weeks ago. “If you ask, ‘Does this make or break your season, is this your season over?’ - that’s a load of rubbish. “The season is never over, you have got to play all the games that are put in front of you. “Hopefully we will keep going through and get as far as we can but if we get knocked out, we get knocked out. “We still have to play our league games and with the position we are in, we need to pick up more points. “The cup becomes important but no more important than it was before.” Meanwhile, 19-year-old midfielder James Wallace has joined Stockport County on loan. The academy graduate joins the League Two outfit on an emergency one month deal, subject to league confirmation. Wallace could join in time to be in consideration for the Hatters' Cheshire derby with Macclesfield Town. Elsewhere, Everton legend Trevor Steven believes that Irish starlet Seamus Coleman should be used as a right-back in the long-term. Steven said: “For me, he’s not quite technical enough to be a top midfield player. “He’s got a great engine and works really hard but, to get to the very top, you need to have a good footballing brain. “I would say that right-back’s got to be the most natural position for him and I think he could do extremely well there. “When you’re playing right midfield then you’ve got a responsibility to take players on and create things. “When you’re at right-back, it’s a bonus if you’re able to do that but the pressure’s not so.”

Chelsea 1 Everton FC 1 (Everton win 4-3 on pens): Blues storm through in FA Cup after penalty drama
by Phil Kirkbride at Stamford Bridge, Liverpool Echo
Feb 19 2011
Everton FC players celebrate after shootout victory over Chelsea in FA CupEVERTON produced a memorable fightback to knock holders Chelsea out of the FA Cup on a penalty shoot-out
Captain Phil Neville struck the winning spot-kick to send the Blues into a fifth round home tie with Reading and cap a remarkable turnaround at Stamford Bridge this afternoon. Frank Lampard's extra-time strike looked to be sending a brave Everton crashing out of the competition but Leighton Baines set up the dramatic finale with an expertly lofted free-kick to equalise in the final minute. As he had been in normal time with a string of fine saves, goalkeeper Tim Howard was a hero in the shoot-out by saving Nicolas Anelka's effort to hand David Moyes' men a lifeline. Following Ashley Cole's wayward spot-kick, skipper Neville was presented with the chance to win the match and clincally fired home to win the penalty shoot-out 4-3. Phil Jagielka, Mikel Arteta and John Heitinga were the others to score for penalties Everton with Baines seeing his effort saved by Cech. Lampard, Didier Drogba and Michael Essien were successful for the home side but their efforts were in vain as Everton claimed a stunning victory.

Everton dump out Blues
19 Feb 2011 London Evening News
Everton dumped holders Chelsea out of the FA Cup after winning a dramatic penalty shootout 4-3 at Stamford Bridge. Phil Neville scored the winning spot-kick, with Nicolas Anelka and Ashley Cole both missing for the Blues, whose quest for an historic hat-trick of cup wins lay in tatters. Chelsea wasted a hatful of chances to win the fourth-round replay in normal time and Frank Lampard finally gave them a 104th-minute lead but Leighton Baines levelled in the 119th minute with a brilliant free-kick. The full-back missed Everton's first penalty in the shootout but it did not matter as the Toffees set up a last-16 tie with Reading. Chelsea should have taken a 20th-minute lead when the post saved Phil Jagielka from glancing in an own goal from Lampard's free-kick and John Terry skied the close-range rebound. Blocks from Sylvain Distin and Tim Howard then prevented Lampard and Florent Malouda putting the home side ahead after excellent work from the recalled Salomon Kalou down the right. Didier Drogba then held off Jagielka and produced a brilliant through-ball for Malouda, whose clipped finish was saved by the feet of Howard. With just a minute remaining, Marouane Fellaini thought he had dumped the holders out when he netted after Baines' right-foot strike had been fumbled by Petr Cech, but the midfielder had already been flagged offside. Drogba chipped just over and Lampard screwed a low left-footer wide before finally putting the home side ahead thanks to great work from Anelka. The substitute got himself free down the right and his cross was miscontrolled by Drogba but fell perfectly for Lampard to rifle home from 10 yards. Mikel Arteta was carded for felling Michael Essien as Everton tried to level and they did so with seconds remaining thanks to a brilliant Baines free-kick. Branislav Ivanovic fouled Jagielka 25 yards out and Baines stepped up to curl a wondeful strike into the top corner. Chelsea had lost six of their previous seven shootouts but held an immediate advantage when Cech saved from Baines after Lampard had scored. However, Anelka foolishly tried to chip Howard with the hosts' third penalty and it stayed level until Ashley Cole ballooned over the bar with their fifth to give Neville the opportunity to claim the win.

Chelsea 1 Everton 1
(aet, 90 mins 0-0; Everton win 4-3 on pens)
20th Feb 2011 (The Sun)
But Leighton Baines took the tie to penalties after curling home a superb free-kick with just a minute left on the clock. After Lampard converted the first spot-kick, Baines then missed from 12 yards as Petr Cech flung himself to his left. Tim Howard, though, gave Everton hope by palming away Nicolas Anelka's effort. And, after Cole missed the target altogether, Neville sent the Everton fans packed into the stand behind the goal delirious with the winning penalty. Carlo Ancelotti's Blues were bidding to become the first team since the 1880s to win the Cup in three straight seasons. But their faltering campaign now largely rests on their progress in the Champions League, with Ancelotti having already conceded defeat in the title race. For Everton, though, this fourth-round replay triumph could give them the spark they need to pull away from the relegation zone after a dismal league campaign so far. Everton were much the brighter early on and Leon Osman forced Cech into the first save with a low drive inside two minutes. Chelsea were pushed back by the visitors' high tempo and Seamus Coleman skinned Cole only to be let down by a poor cross. Everton had the post to thank midway through the first half when Phil Jagielka's clearance from a Lampard free-kick spun off the top of his head and on to the woodwork, John Terry got to the rebound first but he could not keep his effort down as he slid in. David Moyes' men were not put off, however, and their next attack saw Jermaine Beckford just miss out after good work down the right from Osman and Baines. Coleman was next to try his luck but Terry deflected his left-footed shot away. Back came the Blues and John Obi Mikel found Lampard whose shot on the turn was blocked. The England midfielder touched the ball to Florent Malouda but Howard made a smart stop and Didier Drogba fizzed the loose ball wide. Florent Malouda had to leave the pitch for a couple of minutes as he struggled to remove a ring on his finger. But he was back in the thick of the action immediately as he latched on to Drogba's pass - after the Ivorian had bamboozled Jagielka - only for Howard to rescue the Toffees again. Branislav Ivanovic sent a header crashing towards the Everton goal from the corner but Coleman made the vital block. Everton backed off Drogba again on 39 minutes so he tried his luck from 25 yards and the ball was deflected just over the bar. Marouane Fellaini found space down the Chelsea right and crossed for Beckford whose first-time flick was blocked by Terry. Malouda was booked for clattering Coleman from behind before Ramires followed him into the book for simulation as he waited for contact from Howard after beating the keeper in the box. Ancelotti freshened things up at the break, withdrawing Mikel for Michael Essien. Howard was called upon soon after the restart as he got down low to hold Drogba's free-kick. The Blues hitman saw his next effort blocked from Lampard's short corner. The pair reversed roles moments later, Drogba finding his team-mate who headed wide from an unmarked position. Everton were next to threaten as Baines swung in a free-kick and Osman headed straight at Cech. Beckford then shot high and wide as the visitors rallied. Lampard's snapshot was cleared off the line by Howard and Ivanovic saw his stab at goal from the corner blocked again. Ramires tried his luck from 25 yards but the ball was always swerving away from goal. Cech saved well after Coleman directed a header towards the bottom corner. And it looked like it might not be Chelsea's day when Lampard chipped another reasonable chance over the bar. Everton thought they had nicked it a minute from time when Fellaini converted after Cech had saved Baines' drive but he was flagged offside. The pace dropped considerably in extra-time after a hard 90 minutes. Drogba dropped a little deeper and his curler from 25 yards was just too high. Three minutes before the turnaround, Lampard screwed a low effort wide. But he finally got his goal after 104 minutes when he drilled home after Nicolas Anelka's cross was chested down by Drogba. But just as time was running out, Ivanovic barged into the back of Jagielka to concede a free-kick 25 yards out. And Baines took the opportunity with a superb curler into Cech's top left-hand corner. The smile was soon wiped off his face after missing in the shootout - but Cole's miss quickly restored his grin.
Chelsea: Cech, Ferreira, Ivanovic, Terry, Cole, Ramires, Mikel (Essien 46), Lampard, Kalou (Zhirkov 111), Drogba, Malouda (Anelka 91). Subs not used: Turnbull, Bertrand, McEachran, Sala. Booked: Malouda, Ramires. Goals: Lampard 104.
Everton: Howard, Neville, Jagielka, Distin, Baines, Coleman, Arteta, Fellaini, Osman (Heitinga 95), Cahill (Bilyaletdinov 70), Beckford (Anichebe 80). Subs not used: Mucha, Hibbert, Duffy, Baxter. Booked: Baines, Coleman, Distin, Arteta.
Goals: Baines 119.
Att: 41,113
Ref: Phil Dowd (Staffordshire).
Loser Carlo is cracking
20th Feb 2011 (The Sun)
He said: "This is football. Every time the team doesn't reach the result, obviously the manager is under pressure. "I have fantastic support from the club, from my players. And together we have to move on. "Obviously, we are not happy but we have to look forward, to use these days, the next days, to recover well, to recover energy and to prepare well for the next game in the Champions League. "I think that we have the time. It will not be easy but we have the time." Nicolas Anelka and Ashley Cole fluffed their lines from the spot as Everton won 4-3 on penalties after the scores were locked at 1-1 after extra time. But Ancelotti refused to blame them for their misses. He said: "We had very good shooters from the penalty. "Lampard, Drogba, Anelka, Essien and Ashley Cole - they were the best. "Obviously, penalties are a lottery and sometimes you can win and sometimes you can lose." Everton took the tie to a shootout after Leighton Baines cancelled out Frank Lampard's extra-time opener with a 119th-minute free-kick. And Toffees boss David Moyes was relieved that Baines stood up to Mikel Arteta as they argued over who should take the free-kick. Moyes said: "I thought I saw Mikel pointing, going, 'I'm taking it'. "I was saying, 'Oh, no!' - only because I thought it was made for Bainesy, where it was. "We needed something special at that time because it didn't quite look as if it was going to be our day." Moyes was delighted with the way his team responded after declaring last week's defeat to Bolton as bad as it has been in his nine years charge at Goodison Park. He said: "You just have to prod people sometimes and they needed a good prodding. "But they didn't half respond and if anybody doubted them last week they should eat their words because they were top-notch this week. "This is Chelsea's first defeat in the Cup in nearly three years, so today I have to praise the players - they were immense throughout."
FA Cup quarter-final draw
20th Feb 2011 (The Sun)
MANCHESTER UNITED will host Arsenal or Leyton Orient in the FA Cup quarter-finals.
Alex Ferguson's Premier League leaders are likely to discover their exact opponents later today with the Gunners kicking off at Brisbane Road at 4.30pm. Carling Cup finalists Birmingham face a home time against Bolton.
FA Cup quarter-final draw in full:
Stoke v West Ham or Burnley
Manchester City or Aston Villa v Everton or Reading
Birmingham v Bolton
Manchester United v Arsenal or Leyton Orient
(Ties to be played on March 12 and 13)
Chelsea 1-1 Everton (3-4 pens): Sunday Mirror match report
20th February (The Sunday Mirror) By Gerry Cox
It is never nice having to eat humble pie, but there are two groups of people who should be tucking into it as their breakfast this morning First, there are those who say the FA Cup has lost its magic.Pah! Try telling that to the 6,000 travelling Everton fans who ¬celebrated this famous victory wildly at the final whistle, as well as the neutrals who witnessed a cracking cup tie.Then there are those critics who wrote off Everton after their collapse against Bolton last week.They should take a look at the side who dumped FA Cup holders Chelsea out of the competition and proved yet again that ¬Stamford Bridge holds no fear for them.From goalkeeping hero Tim Howard through to free-kick king Leighton Baines and Phil “Captain -Marvel” Neville, here was a side who thoroughly ¬deserved to go through to a fifth round tie against ¬Reading. No ¬matter that Chelsea had not lost an FA Cup tie in three years. Everton’s record against the Blues is as good as anyone’s, and the only time they have lost in their past eight meetings was the 2009 FA Cup final.Didier Drogba scored the winner then, after Louis Saha had opened the scoring for Everton – but both were ¬missing yesterday. Saha had a -hamstring strain, while Drogba WAS on the pitch – but missing everything in sight.With new signings Fernando Torres and David Luiz ineligible, Chelsea looked back to their pre-Christmas worst.They clearly lacked fight or guile against an Everton side who were determined to atone for letting Carlo Ancelotti’s side have a ¬second chance after the original game two weeks ago.With Marouane Fellaini ¬dictating play from midfield, while Baines and Seamus Coleman were always willing to get down the flanks, Everton had plenty going for them – except a target man. Without Saha, they looked lightweight in attack, where ¬Jermaine Backford was no match for John Terry.Most of the action was in the opposite goalmouth, with Howard in ¬defiant form. He made two ¬terrific saves from Florent Malouda in the first-half but his most valuable ¬contribution came on the stroke of half-time.Salomon Kalou’s pass gave ¬Ramires a free run on goal, and as Howard dived at his feet, the ¬Brazilan tumbled. Referee Phil Dowd spotted what TV replays proved – that Howard had got out of the way and Ramires had dived over him, earning a yellow card rather than a penalty.Howard was beaten once in normal time, when Lampard’s free-kick was headed against his own post by Phil Jagielka, but Terry hit the rebound high and wide.With 90 minutes almost up, Everton thought they had scored the winner when Fellaini shot home from close range, but he was offside by a whisker and Chelsea took the game into extra time. It was Lampard who broke the deadlock in the 14th minute of extra time. Nicolas Anelka swung in a cross, Drogba controlled the ball with his chest and it dropped for Lampard to thump home from eight yards.But Everton refused to give up and when Ivanovic fouled ¬Jagielka, there was only one man to take the free-kick.England full-back Baines, who smacked a beauty against Spurs earlier this season, lined up again and, though Chelsea had plenty of men in the wall, his free-kick was perfect, lifted over them and into the top corner of Cech’s goal.That equaliser – in the 118th minute – meant the game went to penalties and the stats were definitely not in Chelsea’s favour.And so it proved again.Baines had his shot saved after Lampard had scored first. But then Howard saved from Anelka, who also missed in the Champions League final three years ago, to restore parity.When Ashley Cole blazed Chelsea’s fifth penalty high over the bar, it left skipper Neville with the job of putting the ball away – and putting Chelsea out of the cup.
CHELSEA 1 - EVERTON 1: CARLO ANCELOTTI'S ON THE SPOT AS EVERTON GO THROUGH ON PENALTIES
Chelsea 1 - Everton 1 (AET Everton win 4-3 on pens) 20th February (The Star)
The Everton skipper sparked wild celebrations after firing home a dramatic penalty in an FA Cup shoot-out that could have massive consequences at Stamford Bridge. It makes Chelsea’s Champions League quest even more important and defeat in Copenhagen on Tuesday certainly won’t make it wonderful for Ancelotti. Owner Roman Abramovich doesn’t do second place. He’d have been appalled by missed penalties by Ashley Cole and Nicolas Anelka. Cole can claim he was knocked off stride when blatantly barged by John Heitinga after he had scored to make it 3-3. The England left-back blasted high and wide but Anelka’s effort was casual, lazy almost.Ancelotti said: “I’m very disappointed. Every time when a team loses it puts a manager under pressure. But I have the support of my players and the fans. “Let us see what happens at the end of the season. We could still have a good one. It is, however, very important we pick ourselves up quickly as we have vital games ahead. “I thought we deserved to win but it didn’t happen and we have to look forward. The penalty takers scored each time in training. These things happen.” Chelsea were aiming to become the first side in 125 years to win three successive FA Cups but Everton destroyed that target when Neville blasted home his penalty. The shoot-out came thanks to Leighton Baines striking home a magnificent 20-yard equalising free-kick in the last minute of extra-time. Everton manager David Moyes said: “It did need something special to decide this tie and Baines produced it. Then Phil’s experience and nous got us home. He usually takes our first but I said I wanted him last this time. I just had the feeling this was going to happen. Now I feel we can go all the way. “This was Chelsea’s first defeat in almost three years in this competition so you can imagine my happiness. “I hope we sent our 6,000 fans home with a different feeling after Bolton last week.” Everton deserved their win. For a team that arrived without a clean sheet in 12 games, they defended well, with Phil Jagielka and Sylvain Distin constantly covering Didier Drogba’s movement and denying the dangerous Frank Lampard shooting opportunities. Lots of niggling fouls happened across the pitch, making the game too stop-start, although Tim Howard was brilliant, twice making saves from Florent Malouda and denying Lampard. After a goalless 90 minutes, Chelsea finally made the breakthrough in extra-time when Anelka beat Distin and Baines on the right and crossed. The ball deflected to Lampard, who scored his 22nd FA Cup goal for Chelsea in the 104th minute, moving to just two behind Bobby Tambling’s all-time club record. Their proud run of 16 unbeaten FA Cup matches looked to be secure until Branislav Ivanovic needlessly gave away a free-kick in the closing minute.Baines immediately grabbed the ball, teed it up and fired home a cracker to take the game into its epic penalty shoot-out. Baines marred his heroics by missing Everton’s first penalty, with Petr Cech saving after Lampard had put Chelsea ahead. Drogba added another. Jagielka replied. Then came Anelka’s dreadful effort. Michael Essien made it 3-2, before Heitinga equalised and Cole missed. Then cometh the hour, cometh the man – Captain Fantastic Neville.
MOYES HAILS 'TOP-NOTCH' TOFFEES
Sunday February 20,2011 (The Express)
Jubilant David Moyes hailed the return of Everton's never-say-die spirit after they dumped Chelsea out of the FA Cup with a dramatic penalty shoot-out victory at Stamford Bridge.The Toffees won 4-3 on spot-kicks after stunning the holders with a 119th-minute equaliser just as it looked as if their Wembley dream had died for another year. Moyes said: "You just have to prod people sometimes, and they needed a good prodding. But they didn't half respond, and if anybody doubted them last week, they should eat their words because they were top-notch this week." He added: "This is Chelsea's first defeat in the cup in nearly three years, so today I have to praise the players - they were immense throughout. "The goalkeeper made two or three brilliant saves, which we needed. "I said last week that if we had beaten Bolton, I think we would've gone eighth in the Premier League. "The manager and the players had a chance to change the perception of the club and we didn't do it. "Not only that, we didn't play well."I hope today we're able to send 6,000 home with a much better feeling about our team and our club."

CHESLEA'S PENALTY SHOOT OUT SHAMBLES
The Express 20th February 2011
Chelsea 1, Everton 1 (3-4 on penalties) PENALTY flops Nicolas Anelka and Ashley Cole put under-fire Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti on the spot last night. Their disastrous shoot-out misses sent Chelsea crashing out of the FA Cup for the fi rst time in three years. Anelka, who had spent 90 minutes on the bench before extra-time, nonchalantly hit his tame effort at Everton’s hero goalkeeper Tim Howard. Cole blazed his effort hopelessly wide as overjoyed Everton dramatically won the fourth round replay 4-3 on penalties. It was the fi rst time Chelsea had lost an FA Cup tie since Barnsley beat them 1-0 in 2008. And with the Stamford Bridge club also out of the Premier League title race, it leaves Ancelotti’s future firmly under the microscope again. The Italian will have £50million new boy Fernando Torres back on Tuesday for what looks like a must-win match against FC Copenhagen for both him and Chelsea.And Ancelotti, who was without Torres and his other £21m new boy David Luiz yesterday, admitted last night that he is under pressure.“When the team doesn’t get the result we want, the manager is under pressure. But I have fantastic support from the club and my players, and together we have to move on.”Ancelotti revealed that he had picked his penalty-takers beforehand. And he refused to point the finger of blame at Anelka and Cole for their abysmal failures in what he described as “a lottery.”But he admitted that “it will not be easy” to recover in time for Tuesday’s Champions League match. “We are not happy and we have to move on quickly,” he added.

Manchester City enter the race for Rodwell as Moyes feels the squeeze
By Sportsmail 20th February 2011 (Daily Mirror)
Manchester City will slug it out with rivals Manchester United in a battle to sign Everton star Jack Rodwell. Sir Alex Ferguson's 'noisy neighbours' have the financial power to put his proposed £15million offer in the shade. Ferguson wants to buy the 19-year-old this summer as a replacement for Paul Scholes. In demand: Jack Rodwell in action for Everton But City's Roberto Mancini is also an admirer of England Under-21 midfielder Rodwell, and enquired last summer. Financial pressures could force Everton manager David Moyes to sell, despite having extended his prize asset's contract until 2015.

David Moyes's horse Desert Cry wins at Sedgefield
by James Pearce, Liverpool Echo
Feb 21 2011
DAVID MOYES made it a weekend double yesterday as the horse he co-owns romped to victory at Sedgefield.The Everton boss, still on a high after Saturday’s dramatic FA Cup triumph at Chelsea, was at the County Durham course to watch 85/40 second favourite Desert Cry ridden by Jason Maguire win the 3.10 by a massive 13 lengths. It was the first race the horse, which is trained by Donald McCain, has won since Moyes secured ownership with friend Neil Walk back in October.Moyes said: “(Everton coach) Jimmy Lumsden got us involved with Graham Bradley who got us the horse. “I wanted a bit of fun, something to take us away from the football now and again so it was a good weekend for me.“I’m just delighted we’ve got one winner.”
Everton FC manager David Moyes stays calm after Chelsea FA Cup win
Liverpool Echo
Feb 21 2011
DAVID MOYES refused to predict Everton will go all the way in this season’s FA Cup after their sensational penalty shoot-out win over Chelsea – because he has been stung too many times in the competition.Moyes masterminded Saturday’s dramatic fourth round replay victory at Stamford Bridge, which saw the Toffees become the first club to beat Chelsea in the cup for almost three years.There were echoes of Everton’s 2009 Merseyside derby win at the same stage of the competition, after which they went on to reach the final.On top of that, they now have what appears a perfectly winnable last-16 clash with Reading and, having deposed the holders, they can also go to the winners of the Manchester City-Aston Villa clash with little fear.But Moyes was taking nothing for granted, knowing his side have proven just as capable of crashing out to the likes of Shrewsbury, Oldham and Brentford during his near nine years at the helm.“To be through in the cup gives you a great boost,” he said. “If you put out the team who are the holders and the champions, you’ve got to think that you’ve got a good chance.”He added: “I’ve lost to Shrewsbury, I’ve lost to Oldham in the cup.“The gulf between us, Shrewsbury and Everton, I thought was bigger than the gulf between Everton and Chelsea.“So there was always a chance that we could win that tie.“Obviously, it’s been a tough place to come over the years.“But Chelsea haven’t enjoyed games against us because the games have been tight as well.”Indeed, Chelsea had not beaten Everton since the 2009 final going into Saturday’s game and had won only one of their previous six home clashes with them.That is despite the huge gulf in finances between the clubs, laid bare in the transfer window when Chelsea spent a record-breaking £75million and the Toffees nothing. Moyes said: “If you get into football management, you don’t need to be told you’ve got money to spend. “You come in and you try to get the best team you can, you work the team, try to organise them and win games. “The chairman’s a great chairman, great owner. “I just wish he had a few bob as well!” Chelsea’s defeat meant their entire season was in danger of unravelling. Having all but surrendered the Barclays Premier League title, they now have only the Champions League to play for, both in terms of winning this season’s competition and qualifying for next term’s. They will need to improve massively in front of goal to achieve either aim after wasting a hat-full of chances yesterday. Manager Carlo Ancelotti is arguably under more pressure than ever, and it does not get any easier for the Italian, with Tuesday night’s Champions League last-16 game at FC Copenhagen followed a week later with a crunch league clash with Manchester United. “It’s not an easy moment, obviously, because we have to play very important games,” said Ancelotti, who remains confident of a top-four finish. “Sometimes it’s good to play tough games because you are more focused, more competitive, so we don’t have to be afraid to play against Copenhagen and also against Manchester United. “It could be a good motivation for us to play these games.” Speculation about Ancelotti’s job will doubtless begin again if results do not improve quickly and it remains to be seen how much more failure billionaire owner Roman Abramovich would be prepared to tolerate. Beating Copenhagen appears crucial, as does staying in touch with Tottenham and Manchester City in the race for third and fourth place in the league. Abramovich sacked Luiz Felipe Scolari two years ago when he began to fear Champions League qualification would not be achieved but Ancelotti was relaxed about the importance of the upcoming run of games. “Until the end of the season, it’s 90 days, three months,” the Italian said. “And so, we have to give an opinion at the end of the season. “It could be, again, a very good season for us because we want to stay in the Champions League and obviously reach fourth place.”

Chelsea 1 Everton FC 1 (EFC win on Penalties) - Greg O'Keeffe's report on an amazing win for the Blues
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
Feb 21 2011
WHEN David Moyes admits he was tempted to sprint along the touchline in celebration, arms aloft like Jose Mourinho, you know you’ve seen a special game.When Leighton Baines curls an exquisite free-kick past Peter Cech with one minute of injury time left, then misses the first penalty of a shoot-out, you know you’ve seen a special game.When, just for once, a key referee’s decision goes in Everton’s favour and they escape a penalty, you really know you’ve seen a special game.This was truly a special game.In the end, it felt like a cup final for the 6,000 Evertonians who came in hope and left drained of every emotion apart from ecstasy.Memories immediately drifted back to that semi-final penalties win over Manchester United in 2009, when the Everton players sprinted together in tandem to celebrate Phil Jagielka’s winning spot-kick.This time it was their skipper Phil Neville who stood with palms outstretched after burying his penalty, allowing six months of tension during an otherwise mediocre season to momentarily vanish, washed away by songs of Wembley from the travelling supporters.Drab old reality, and a fifth round tie against Reading at Goodison Park next month, can wait.Everton’s supporters, manager, and players deserved this.Perhaps such a spirited performance was inevitable. Rarely will a Moyes team fail to respond when they have been as abject as they were against Bolton Wanderers.But this time the path to atonement was blocked by a boulder. Chelsea, who broke royal blue hearts in May 2009.Chelsea, who Everton had not beaten at Stamford Bridge since 1994. Chelsea, who needed victory almost as much to keep their season on course for its requisite success.When Frank Lampard drilled a 104th minute strike past Tim Howard to finally puncture the American’s superlative resistance, it seemed an all too familiar outcome was unfolding.Lampard, as he recalled before kick-off, always seems to stick the knife into Everton.But this is a slightly different Everton, playing a slightly different Chelsea.The Toffees, for their part, no longer freeze on the big occasion. Successive draws against Chelsea and a string of top four scalps have taught them never to give up, even against the cream of the Premier League.And Chelsea, for all their typically compelling power and threat, are starting to see their stuffing burst at the seams.Everton survived, just about, a game of bombardment to prise away Chelsea’s hopes of a third succesive FA Cup. Their jubilation came courtesy of inspired goalkeeping, manful defending, particularly from Sylvain Distin, and raw nerve.For a while it seemed like familiar failings were going to undo them. With Marouane Fellaini outstanding again after an inexplicable blip against Bolton; and Seamus Coleman and Leighton Baines offering their usual cutting outlet down the flanks, the Blues had plenty to offer going forward until everything unravelled in the final third.The presence of a fit Louis Saha might ultimately have spared Everton the agony of extra time and penalties. Otherwise, they lacked the cutting edge that has been their Achilles heel since the first ball of the season was kicked in August.While they tried to counter attack, Everton had Howard to thank for still being in the tie at half-time. Or perhaps Phil Dowd deserves their gratitude too.With half-time approaching Saloman Kalou’s pass gave Ramires a free run on goal, and as Howard dived at his feet, the Brazilan tumbled.Dowd decided that Howard managed to get out of the way and that Ramires had dived over his prone body, an act punished with a yellow card rather than rewarded with a penalty.TV replays suggested doubt where the official had none. Credit to him, the easy choice would have been to point to the spot.Everton were largely on the back foot during the second half, although the wonderfully entertaining tie continued to ebb and flow.Howard’s reflexes were tested again on 65 minutes, when he somehow kept out Lampard’s low shot from close range, and then used his feet again to block Branislav Ivanovic’s effort from the corner. Fellaini’s dominance had prompted Carlo Ancelotti to bring on Michael Essien at half-time, and the Ghanaian helped Chelsea really turn the screw as Lampard went close twice. Yet Everton weathered the storm, and then nearly snatched it in the dying minutes. Fellaini was judged offside as he poked home the ball after a free-kick. Again, replays suggested the decision was dodgy. As they waited for injury time, Everton’s group resembled a battlefield hospital camp as medics struggled to stem the blood flowing from Jagielka’s cheek and Distin writhed on the floor with cramp. Lampard’s eventual goal probably made them wish they hadn’t soldiered on. But they did, and Baines proved why he has one of the best left pegs in the top flight to send the game to penalties when all seemed lost. The defender’s opening miss sent blue hearts quickly sinking again, but by the time John Heitinga had smashed his spot-kick home, and then landed a psychological edge by body-checking Ashley Cole as he approached the spot, the momentum was with Everton. Cue the England star’s miss, and Neville held his nerve defiantly to ignite the supporters behind the goal. The only gripe after an inspirational afternoon is the concern that Everton have a tendency to ration big performances for the top sides this season. Had they shown the same spirit in the league against Stoke, Bolton, Newcastle, West Brom or Wigan they would be firmly in the mix for European qualification. It would, however, be churlish to take anything away from the manner of their eventual progress in West London. In the press room after the game somebody helpfully offered David Moyes a celebratory lager. He politely declined. As the song goes, beers and more aptly the champagne will remain on ice for now. But who would bet against it flowing freely in May?
CHELSEA: Cech, Ferreira, Ivanovic, Terry (capt), Cole, Mikel (Essien, 45), Lampard, Ramires, Kalou (Zhirkov, 111), Malouda (Anelka, 91), Drogba.. Subs: Turnbull, Bertrand, McEachran, Sala.
EVERTON: Howard, Neville (capt), Jagielka, Distin, Baines, Osman (Heitinga, 95 ET), Fellaini, Arteta, Coleman, Cahill (Bilyaletdinov, 70), Beckford (Anichebe, 80). Subs: Mucha, Hibbert, Duffy, Baxter.
GOALS: Lampard (104);Baines (119)).
CARDS: Booked – Malouda, Ramires; Baines, Coleman, Arteta, Distin.
REFEREE: Phil Dowd.
ATTENDANCE: 41,113.

David Moyes hopes Everton’s win over Chelsea can boost the Blues’ season
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
Feb 21 2011
DAVID Moyes believes that progressing to the fifth round of the FA Cup meant more to his Everton side than Chelsea – as he admitted that he nearly sprinted down the touchline to celebrate like Jose Mourinho. The Toffees boss is hoping that the win could be a crucial boost to Everton’s morale during a season when they have struggled to make an impact in the Premier League. Recalling his emotions after Phil Neville scored the winning penalty to put the Blues into the next round of the cup, he said: “I was thinking about one of those ‘Mourinhos’ you do around the touchline. That’s what I was thinking about, probably making a fool of myself. “It’s probably a bigger win for us than it would have been for Chelsea. They’ve won the Cup a few times. If they’d beaten Everton in a shoot-out, they’d have thought: ‘Well, we’re glad to have got through that tie.’ “But it was much more than just that for Everton. To come and beat Chelsea on their own patch in a replay – the last time we did that was the year when we got to the final when we drew at Anfield and then beat them at Goodison. We had to do it the hard way in this game, certainly.” Moyes insists he had no doubt his side was capable of progressing at Chelsea’s expense, even if an away game against the reigning cup holders was a tall order. He said: “I’d be disappointed if anyone thought we hadn’t got that in us. We know we’re not having the best of times, and we’re not playing as well as we should be. Yeah, we’ve finished in the top five, six or seven in the last six or seven years, but you know we’ve had to work hard to try and get there. “Maybe at times it shouldn’t be a surprise if Everton don’t finish in the top few places because we’re trying to keep up with the Joneses and that’s not always easy.” Moyes paid tribute to the effort of his players, even if he has doubts he made the right substitutions. “I was impressed with the way we got round them in midfield, the way we got close,” he said. “Only in extra-time did we look as if our energy levels had just dropped off a bit. I tried to make a couple of changes and maybe they didn’t work as well as I’d have liked, but in the end we got the result. They got us the draw.” The win followed a sombre week at Finch Farm, when Moyes and his coaching staff went to great lengths to help the players learn from their mistakes in their last league outing, an abject defeat at Bolton. He said: “It was noticeably a reaction from the players after the way they played last weekend. You might have seen that game on telly, but there was a massive improvement today in their attitude to do the tough things first. “They did that brilliantly. We hadn’t had harsh words; more corrective words. We had to realign what we had to do here before we played. We’ve tried to improve the football, get more on the ball and take a few risks, and that’s cost us one or two things this season.” Moyes refused to get carried away by the victory, ahead of another potential tough draw against Manchester City or Aston Villa, and he is not ready, yet, to draw on parallels to 2009 when his side reached the FA Cup final. He said: “I’ve lost to some small clubs in the past and the gulf was even bigger in those matches than it was today between us and them. “The players are really disciplined. We lost in the Cup final. That result will never make up for losing in the Cup final, but it gives us the chance to see if we can get to another Cup final this time around.”

Phil Neville performs FA Cup magic trick for Everton FC at Chelsea
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
Feb 21 2011
Everton FC players celebrate FA Cup victory over ChelseaPHIL NEVILLE declared that Everton’s magnificent FA Cup replay win over Chelsea proves the competition’s magic is as strong as ever – as the skipper wrote himself into the royal blue record books. Neville’s winning spot-kick at Stamford Bridge on Saturday means he is the only Toffees player to have ever scored in three different penalty shootouts, after he also found the net against Manchester United and Brentford And the 34-year-old insists that practise makes perfect, after a week when honing his penalty technique proved a welcoming distraction from being forced to mull over the Blues video nasty of their 2-0 defeat at Bolton. Neville, who will now lead Everton into the fifth round against Reading next month for the right to travel to either Manchester City or Aston Villa in the last 16, said: “I was confident because I’ve been practising myself all week. “We do our homework at Everton and I was really confident stepping up. The fifth penalty is probably the most glamorous one to take. “I felt really good. The manager told us just to hit it as hard as we can. My biggest worry was a big divot by the penalty spot. “Petr Cech looks really big in that goal – but luckily he went the wrong way. “I just concentrated on the ball and, as soon as I got back in my stance, I knew I was going to score. “Since I came to Everton, I took a penalty against Manchester United in the FA Cup and scored. “I also scored against Brentford earlier in the season. “But forget the penalties, the effort we put in and the spirit we showed and the quality we showed meant that we deserved to win the game.” The travelling supporters were in raptures when Neville’s kick hit the back of the net and the captain insisted that the FA Cup has most certainly not lost any of its appeal. “I keep reading that the FA Cup has lost its magic but that’s the biggest load of trash ever,” he said. “You can’t re-create that magic in any other cup competition.” The Toffees were on the brink of exiting the competition with just two minutes of extra time left, until a stunning free-kick goal from Leighton Baines sent the tie to penalties. “It was a stunning free-kick and a stunning performance,” said Neville. “He must have put in twenty or thirty crosses. In all three games we’ve had against Chelsea he’s been man of the match in each of them,” said Neville. On that abject 2-0 defeat to Bolton last weekend, which David Moyes called the worst performance since he became manager, Neville added: “The boss made us sit through the video of in the week. “I don’t think we realised how poor we were. That wasn’t good enough. “We didn’t show the spirit and togetherness Everton are known for. But I think we deserved to go through. “This could be the springboard. We have a big game against Sunderland next week. “We set the standard today and mustn’t drop below that. We have the quality but need to keep showing it in the league.”

David Moyes: I was tempted to do Mourinho-style touchline sprint after Everton FC's FA Cup victory over Chelsea
by Ian Doyle, Liverpool Daily Post
Feb 21 2011
DELIGHTED David Moyes admits he was considering a Jose Mourinho-style sprint down the Stamford Bridge touchline after Everton secured a dramatic FA Cup triumph. And the Goodison manager praised his players for their response to last week’s dismal defeat at Bolton Wanderers as they ended Chelsea’s two-year reign as holders. A tense fourth-round replay on Saturday saw Phil Neville strike the decisive spot-kick as Everton won 4-3 on penalties following a 1-1 draw. Moyes had by that time dispensed with the coat he had worn while watching most of the game, and revealed he was contemplating a celebration similar to that of Mourinho when his skipper scored the winner. “I was just beginning to feel as if I needed to loosen up a little bit,” said the Everton manager. “I was thinking about one of those ‘Mourinhos’ you do around the touchline. That’s what I was thinking about, probably making a fool of myself.” Leighton Baines’s memorable free-kick one minute from the end of extra time had ensured the shoot-out after Frank Lampard gave Chelsea the lead in the 104th minute. It represented a remarkable transformation by Everton, whose defeat at Bolton the previous weekend was described by Moyes as the worst performance of his nine-year tenure. “It was noticeably a reaction from the players after the way they played last weekend,” said the Goodison manager. “There was a massive improvement in their attitude to do the tough things first. They did that brilliantly. “We hadn’t had harsh words; more corrective words. We had to realign what we had to do here before we played. “We’ve tried to improve the football, get more on the ball and take a few risks, and that’s cost us one or two things this season.” Everton were resilient in the face of some serious Chelsea pressure, with goalkeeper Tim Howard making a clutch of world class saves before helping his team win the shoot-out with a save from Nicolas Anelka. Baines failed with the visitors’ first spot-kick, but Ashley Cole’s miss gave Neville the opportunity to win the game.John Heitinga, scorer of Everton’s fourth penalty, had barged into Cole as the Chelsea man made his way to face Howard, and Moyes said: “Did he? I didn’t see that. If it does, goalkeepers put on bits of psychology all the way through. That’s the way it is. Maybe it’s the bump (that got us through).”Heitinga admits his barge into Cole was a deliberate attempt to put the Chelsea man off his penalty. “From the centre line you walk straight to the penalty spot, and you’re completely focused on your penalty,” said the Dutchman. “I tried to ruin his concentration by colliding with him. The harassment was intentional.” Moyes had bemoaned the lack of his team’s trademark ‘toughness’ at the Reebok, and was delighted to witness its return on Saturday. “I’d be disappointed if anyone thought we hadn’t got that in us,” he said. “We know we’re not having the best of times, and we’re not playing as well as we should be. “Yeah, we’ve finished in the top five, six or seven in the last six or seven years, but you know we’ve had to work hard to try and get there. “Maybe at times it shouldn’t be a surprise if Everton don’t finish in the top few places because we’re trying to keep up with the Joneses and that’s not always easy. “Only in extra-time did we look as if our energy levels had just dropped off a bit. I tried to make a couple of changes and maybe they didn’t work as well as I’d have liked, but in the end we got the result. They got us the draw.” Everton now entertain npower Championship side Reading in the fifth round a week tomorrow, and Moyes believes their progress is akin to the fourth round triumph against Liverpool en route to the final two years ago. “It’s probably a bigger win for us than it would have been for Chelsea,” he added. “To come and beat Chelsea on their own patch in a replay – the last time we did that was the year when we got to the final when we drew at Anfield and then beat them at Goodison. “We had to do it the hard way in this game, certainly.” EVERTON will travel to Manchester City or Aston Villa in the last eight of the FA Cup – if they can get past Reading a week tomorrow. David Moyes’s side will take on Championship outfit Reading at Goodison Park next Tuesday in the delayed fifth round, following their dramatic penalty shoot-out success over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in the fourth round replay on Saturday. If they can beat the Royals, Everton will then travel to either Eastlands or Villa Park for a quarter-final clash after they were drawn to face their Premier League rivals in yesterday’s draw at Wembley.

Chelsea 1 Everton FC 1 (Everton win 4-3 on penalties): Special win for manager, players and fans alike
by Ian Doyle, Liverpool Daily Post
Feb 21 2011
“THERE it is!” exclaimed an excited Evertonian as the packed train hurried its way past the impressive Wembley Stadium en route to London. And on the way back home a few hours later, he and the thousands of other Blues that descended upon the capital had every reason to be similarly animated following a remarkable afternoon for David Moyes’s side. Chelsea’s two-year grip on the FA Cup was wrenched away in the most dramatic fashion as Everton breathed new life into a flailing campaign while injecting much-needed belief into both themselves and their suffering supporters. Less than six days earlier, the Goodison outfit delivered what their manager regarded as the worst performance of his nine-year reign when they slumped to a dismal loss at Bolton Wanderers. Small wonder the 6,000-strong army travelled to Stamford Bridge more in hope than expectation. The transformation was phenomenal. While at the Reebok they were listless, lethargic and disinterested, here Everton were reinvigorated, revitalised and resilient. Although Moyes spoke before the game that defeat at the weekend would not signal the end of his team’s season, it was clear from his celebration as skipper Phil Neville converted Everton’s decisive penalty what this victory meant. He needed this win. The club needed this win. And the players needed this win. With the failure to strengthen the squad during the January transfer window closely followed by an unsettling set of accounts and that Bolton debacle, unrest among the Goodison faithful has threatened to become an uprising. Of course, one triumph, no matter how historic – this was Everton’s first defeat of Chelsea in the FA Cup in 55 years, their first win at Stamford Bridge since 1994 and their first away win in the competition against top-flight opposition in 21 years – isn’t going to address the shortcomings both on and off the field. But, even if Everton had fallen short on Saturday, their pride was restored by an heroic performance the challenge of which will now be to transfer to a Premier League campaign where Moyes’s men hover too close to the relegation zone for comfort. So continues a schizophrenic season, impressive against the leading lights but consistently stumbling against lesser opposition. Having been unfortunate not to be pegged back to a 1-1 draw in the initial tie three weeks earlier, Moyes’s men could rightly contend they deserved their progress. But it was mighty close. While Everton’s record from 12 yards is less than impressive – witness their capitulation at Brentford in the Carling Cup back in September – Chelsea have now lost seven of their last eight shoot-outs. Such encounters are played as much in the mind as they are with the feet and hands, and the pattern of the penalties echoed that of the game. The momentum Chelsea gained from Leighton Baines missing Everton’s first spot kick was lost when a criminally casual Nicolas Anelka gave Tim Howard the opportunity to save to his left. And when John Heitinga, having converted Everton’s fourth, placed a friendly shoulder into the passing Ashley Cole, it was enough to unsettle the left-back into belting the ball horribly over the bar into the jubilant away support and allow Neville to settle the tie. Fittingly, it was the same end in which the veteran netted his debut career goal for Manchester United almost 13 years earlier. Baines could be forgiven his aberration. The left-back had salvaged a shoot-out for Everton with a fantastic curling free-kick from the edge of the area in the 119th minute after Branislav Ivanovic climbed over the back of Phil Jagielka. Jagielka, impressive on his first start since New Year’s Day alongside the similarly excellent Sylvain Distin at centre-back, was one of three changes with Moyes keeping faith in the core of the team that failed so miserably the previous weekend. How they responded, and none more so than Marouane Fellaini. So poor at Bolton, the Belgian dominated Chelsea’s much-vaunted midfield with a performance of power and industry that made it clear why the Londoners maintain a long-term interest in his services. This was Fellaini at his best, with only a borderline offside call preventing him netting the merited reward of a 90th-minute winner when converting the loose ball after Petr Cech could only parry a right-footed Baines shot from 20 yards. Admittedly, it was a rare moment of action for the Chelsea goalkeeper. The continued absence of Louis Saha meant it was difficult for Everton to turn territorial advantage into clear-cut chances, neither Jermaine Beckford nor substitute Victor Anichebe getting much change from the Chelsea backline. It wasn’t until Leon Osman’s head met a Baines free-kick on 58 minutes that Cech was seriously tested, although Everton’s focus on containment and possession meant they were never likely to over-commit going forward. Chelsea, while never being allowed to convince, had their chances but found Howard in stoic mood. After Jagielka glanced a Frank Lampard free-kick on to his own post and John Terry sent the rebound over, Howard twice saved from Florent Malouda before Ramires was booked for attempting to con referee Phil Dowd into believing he had been fouled by the Everton goalkeeper Howard’s best came in the 65th minute when saving from Frank Lampard at point-blank range with his legs, the midfielder later sending a lob wastefully over from a good position. Understandably having worked so hard, Everton tired during extra time and Chelsea found a way through on 104 minutes when Lampard swept home from Didier Drogba’s lay-off after good work down the right by Anelka. Chelsea thought that was enough. But the sting in the tale was to come, meaning Everton have now not lost to the Londoners since the 2009 FA Cup final, this result a modicum of revenge for that bitter defeat. And with npower Championship side Reading due at Goodison in the fifth round a week tomorrow, Moyes’s men and their supporters have Wembley in their sights once again.

Leighton Baines says he planted seeds of doubt into Chelsea’s players’ heads on England duty
by Ian Doyle, Liverpool Daily Post
Feb 21 2011
LEIGHTON BAINES believes the psychological seeds of Everton’s memorable FA Cup triumph over Chelsea were planted on his England recall earlier this month. David Moyes’s side continued their fine recent record against the Londoners with a dramatic penalty shoot-out victory at Stamford Bridge in their fourth round replay on Saturday. The 2009 FA Cup final defeat is the only one of the last eight meetings between the sides that Everton have lost. And Baines reveals he was not slow to remind Chelsea’s players of that fact during their time in the England squad for the recent friendly in Denmark. “It was when I was away with England the other day and I spoke to a couple of their lads, speaking to JT and telling him we might be a bit of a bogey team for them,” said the left-back. “Over the time I’ve been at the club we’ve ground out a good few draws against them and beat them at our place. We had a bit of a laugh about that. “I was obviously trying to plant a bit of a seed of doubt and he was laughing it off. But we worked really hard. “Our keeper kept us in it at times but for what we put into the game we deserved what we got.” A fantastic 119th-minute free-kick from Baines took the game to penalties after Frank Lampard had given Chelsea the lead in extra-time. And although Baines missed Everton’s first spot-kick in the shoot-out, Tim Howard’s save from Nicolas Anelka and Ashley Cole’s miss gave skipper Phil Neville the chance from 12 yards to earn a fifth round home tie against Reading a week tomorrow. “Phil is always reliable in those situations,” said Baines. “He’s a leader and he stepped up. He normally takes the third penalty but he was put back to number five because Mikel (Arteta) wanted three. It wasn’t a problem to him whatsoever. “I was really happy with the free-kick so late in the tie to keep us in the game and then obviously, with the penalty, that’s football isn’t it. “I didn’t feel great at the time and the miss was disappointing. But then Tim made an amazing save from Anelka and the rest of the lads kept their heads, put theirs away and got me out of jail. “In that respect everybody played their part. I played mine with the free-kick, unfortunately not with the penalty.” Baines added: “I didn’t think we had blown it with my miss, because it was the first one and I’m really confident with Tim in goal. “He’s saved quite a few over the four years I’ve been here and in the shoot-out I’d always fancy him to save at least one, two or three because he’s so good at it. “I knew at some point he would save at least one and that they’d miss one as well, which they did. Fortunately for myself and the rest of us, the other lads put theirs away.” Everton were roundly criticised following their poor 2-0 defeat at Bolton Wanderers the previous weekend, and Baines admits Saturday’s performance was for the 6,000 fans who made the journey to London. “Togetherness was something we talked about during the week, something that we had to show more of, more team spirit and togetherness,” he said. Leighton Baines says he planted seeds of doubt into Chelsea’s players’ heads on England duty “Probably just subconsciously that rubbed off, not only in the game but also in the penalties, when we wanted to show we were together. “It was probably typified by what happened, together. I missed a penalty, Tim made a save, the rest of the lads stepped up and that’s what being part of a team is all about, that you play your part at different times. “We left everything on the pitch but that was 100% going to happen because what we produced at Bolton was so far short of that. Only 100% was going to be good enough to make up for it. There were a lot of travelling fans, 6,000 of them, and that was for them.” Meanwhile Phil Neville hailed Everton’s dramatic FA Cup win at Chelsea as the result they need to save their season. Everton captain Neville was his side’s unlikely hero after hitting the decisive penalty in this afternoon’s fourth-round replay at Stamford Bridge. Everton are only three points above the Barclays Premier League drop zone but their dogged spirit returned today as they scored a 119th-minute equaliser before winning 4-3 on spot-kicks. “This could be the springboard for us,” said full-back Neville. “We’ve set the standard today and we must not drop below that. “There is still plenty to play for in the league if we pull our socks up.” Neville said of his penalty, which followed misses from Chelsea’s Nicolas Anelka and Ashley Cole and from team-mate Leighton Baines, whose magnificent free-kick set up the shoot-out: “I knew I was going to score, I knew where the ball was going to go – and that’s half the battle. “We’ve been practising all week. The manager just told us to hit them as hard as possible. “My biggest worry is that there was a big divot in the penalty spot. Petr Cech looks really big, but luckily he dived the wrong way.” Everton maintained their run of having not lost to Chelsea since the 2009 final, having drawn the original tie 1-1. Neville added: “Out of the two ties with Chelsea, I think we just deserved to go through.”

David Moyes refusing to talk of FA Cup final repeat for Everton FC
Liverpool Daily Post
Feb 21 2011
DAVID MOYES refused to predict Everton will go all the way in this season’s FA Cup after their sensational penalty shootout win over Chelsea – because he has been stung too many times in the competition. Moyes masterminded Saturday’s dramatic fourth-round replay victory at Stamford Bridge, which saw the Toffees become the first club to beat the Blues in the cup for almost three years. There were echoes of Everton’s 2009 Merseyside derby win at the same stage of the competition, after which they went on to reach the final. On top of that, they now have what appears a perfectly winnable last-16 clash with Reading and, having deposed the holders, they will surely not fear what is to come in the quarter-finals and beyond. But Moyes was taking nothing for granted yesterday, knowing his side have proven just as capable of crashing out to the likes of Shrewsbury, Oldham and Brentford during his near nine years at the helm. “To be through in the cup gives you a great boost,” he said. “If you put out the team who are the holders and the champions, you’ve got to think that you’ve got a good chance.” He added: “I’ve lost to Shrewsbury, I’ve lost to Oldham in the cup. “The gulf between us, Shrewsbury and Everton, I thought was bigger than the gulf between Everton and Chelsea. “So there was always a chance that we could win that tie. “Obviously, it’s been a tough place to come over the years. But Chelsea haven’t enjoyed games against us because the games have been tight as well.” Indeed, Chelsea had not beaten Everton since the 2009 final going into yesterday’s game and had won only one of their previous six home clashes with them. That is despite the huge gulf in finances between the clubs, laid bare in the transfer window when the Blues spent a record-breaking £75million and the Toffees nothing. Moyes said: “If you get into football management, you don’t need to be told you’ve got money to spend. “You come in and you try to get the best team you can, you work the team, try to organise them and win games. “The chairman’s a great chairman, great owner. “I just wish he had a few bob as well!”
Chelsea’s defeat meant their entire season was in danger of unravelling. Having all but surrendered the Barclays Premier League title, they now have only the Champions League to play for, both in terms of winning this season’s competition and qualifying for next term’s. They will need to improve massively in front of goal to achieve either aim after wasting a hatful of chances yesterday. Manager Carlo Ancelotti is arguably under more pressure than ever, and it does not get any easier for the Italian, with Tuesday night’s Champions League last-16 game at FC Copenhagen followed a week later with a crunch league clash with Manchester United. “It’s not an easy moment, obviously, because we have to play very important games,” said Ancelotti, who remains confident of a top-four finish. “Sometimes it’s good to play tough games because you are more focused, more competitive, so we don’t have to be afraid to play against Copenhagen and also against Manchester United. “It could be a good motivation for us to play these games.” Speculation about Ancelotti’s job will doubtless begin again if results do not improve quickly and it remains to be seen how much more failure billionaire owner Roman Abramovich would be prepared to tolerate. Beating Copenhagen appears crucial, as does staying in touch with Tottenham and Manchester City in the race for third and fourth place in the league. Abramovich sacked Luiz Felipe Scolari two years ago when he began to fear Champions League qualification would not be achieved but Ancelotti was relaxed about the importance of the upcoming run of games. “Until the end of the season, it’s 90 days, three months,” the Italian said. “And so, we have to give an opinion at the end of the season. “It could be, again, a very good season for us because we want to stay in the Champions League and obviously reach fourth place.”

Under pressure Carlo Ancelotti insists he won't quit Chelsea
21 Feb 2011 London Evening Standard
Carlo Ancelotti has insisted he will never quit Chelsea, claiming Roman Abramovich must decide whether or not he should be sacked. Ancelotti is under more pressure than ever at Stamford Bridge following Saturday's shock FA Cup defeat to Everton. It left Chelsea's season in real danger of unravelling completely, with the Barclays Premier League title all but surrendered and Champions League qualification hanging in the balance. Their only remaining hope of silverware is also the latter competition, which they resume on Tuesday night when they visit FC Copenhagen in the last 16. Defeat in that tie would surely test billionaire owner Abramovich's patience to what could be breaking point. But even if the unthinkable were to happen, manager Ancelotti will not jump before he is pushed. Asked if he would ever consider resigning, the Italian said: "No, not me. "I don't have to consider my position. It is the owner that has to consider my position, not myself." Ancelotti enjoyed the backing of Abramovich at the end of 2010 after overseeing the club's worst run in the league for almost 15 years. A mini-revival followed but the past fortnight has witnessed another calamitous run of results. Luiz Felipe Scolari was sacked two years ago when Abramovich began to fear Champions League qualification would not be achieved and Chelsea are in an even worse position now, lying fifth in the Premier League. inning the double in his maiden season has arguably bought Ancelotti the opportunity to try to end the club's long wait for Champions League glory.
And he maintains that, despite recent results, fulfilling Abramovich's long-held dream is still possible.
"The Champions League is not easy, but it will bring a lot of motivation for every one of us," said the Italian, who acknowledged his job would ultimately depend on improving Chelsea's flagging fortunes. "We have to have the right pressure. We have to play against Copenhagen. We have 180 minutes to win this game." He added boldly: "Chelsea won't go out against Copenhagen. I think we have the possibility to win against Copenhagen." Urging his players to "stay together", Ancelotti insisted Saturday's performance against Everton was "good". The Blues certainly wasted enough chances to win comfortably but there was also something missing from their play. Ancelotti claimed John Obi Mikel and Michael Essien are not 100% fit and admitted only John Terry and Branislav Ivanovic are currently playing to the top of their game. Everton had also been struggling to find their form prior to Saturday and also seemed to lose their never-say-die attitude in their previous match at Bolton. But it returned in dramatic fashion at Stamford Bridge, with Leighton Baines' free-kick cancelling out Frank Lampard's goal in the 119th minute. The full-back then missed the visitors' first penalty in the shootout but Everton bounced back again to win 4-3. Manager David Moyes admitted he very nearly performed a Jose Mourinho-style celebration when Phil Neville blasted in the winning spot-kick. "I was thinking about one of those Mourinhos you do down the touchline," he said.
"Probably making a fool of myself!" The shootout was not without controversy, with John Heitinga deliberatly bumping into Ashley Cole as the latter walked forward to take a penalty he ballooned over the crossbar, giving Neville the chance to win it. Moyes said: "Goalkeepers have bits of psychology all the way through, so who knows? Maybe that's the way?" Asked if there had been harsh words after the Bolton defeat, he said: "Not harsh words, just corrective words, and really realligning what we have to do here before we try to play." He added: "Noticably, there was a massive improvement in their attitude to do the tough things first." Moyes admitted Saturday's win would "never make up for" losing to Chelsea in the 2009 final but hopes the omens are good for another run to Wembley. "I don't know," he said. "I've lost to some small clubs and the gulf was even bigger. So how could I say that? "I hope you're right but I couldn't be sure."

Chelsea boss refuses to blame duo after FA Cup exit
By Jacob Murtagh
Feb 19 2011 Hammersmith and Fulham Chronicals
CARLO Ancelotti refused to blame Ashley Cole and Nicolas Anelka after Chelsea crashed out of the FA Cup against Everton. Anelka saw his penalty saved by Tim Howard while Cole blazed his high and wide as the defending champions lost 4-3 on spot-kicks after the game ended all square following extra-time. "We tried penalties in training," said the Chelsea boss, "and Lampard, Drogba, Anelka, Essien and Ashley Cole were the best. "Nicolas Anelka tried a lot of times to shoot and scored. Obviously penalties are a lottery, sometimes you win and sometimes you lose." Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for the latest Chelsea news.

Steve Round hails 'formidable' Everton FC midfielder Marouane Fellaini
by James Pearce, Liverpool Echo
Feb 22 2011
EVERTON assistant boss Steve Round has paid tribute to “formidable” Marouane Fellaini but insists the midfielder is still some way off his best form. The 23-year-old Belgium international has been one of the Blues’ top performers this season and impressed in last Saturday’s FA Cup triumph over Chelsea. “He is really starting to establish himself now,” Round said. “He is still very young and there is still a lot more to come from him. “He has adapted to the league now and can be a phenomenal player in years to come.”

Phil Jagielka gives thanks to Everton FC’s travelling support at Chelsea
Liverpool Echo Feb 22 2011
PHIL JAGIELKA has saluted the role Everton’s travelling army of fans played in Saturday’s FA Cup victory over Chelsea. More than 6,000 Blues fans made the trip to Stamford Bridge and their support was rewarded in dramatic fashion. “The management, the gaffer, the kitmen, the physios, everyone was down there in front of the fans dancing at the end,” Jagielka said. “It was something we needed as a group, we’re all in it together from the backroom staff to the players and of course the fans. “There were 6,000 there and it’s not around the corner. It’s a long way to come and they were fantastic throughout the 90 minutes and throughout extra-time. Hopefully we gave them something to shout about.” Saturday was Jagielka’s first start since New Year’s Day after a spell on the bench following a thigh injury. “I’ve missed playing but my leg hasn’t been right so it’s been a case of having to bide my time,” he added. “It was always going to be a hard game to come back into but these are the sort of games you want to play in.”

Ian Snodin: I was dancing for joy after Everton FC's FA Cup triumph at Chelsea
Liverpool Echo Feb 22 2011
Everton celebrate the FA Cup win at ChelseaIF ANYONE was wondering why the Radio City tower was shaking just after 3pm on Saturday I can solve the mystery. When Phil Neville’s winning penalty hit the back of the net I went berserk. I was jumping and dancing around like a madman. In fact someone at Radio City filmed it and they’ve stuck it on YouTube. What a fantastic result and it was even more special considering how we performed at Bolton a week earlier. It was all doom and gloom after that defeat and hardly anyone gave us a chance at Chelsea but the response from the players was terrific. What a show of character. It was great to see David Moyes celebrating on the pitch with a big smile on his face. Six days earlier at the Reebok he was sat in the rain looking disillusioned with the performance he was witnessing. What a transformation – from one end of the spectrum to the other – that’s what football is all about. I watched the first half at Finch Farm after seeing Everton Under-18s play Blackburn on Saturday morning. I thought we competed really well and kept Chelsea pretty quiet. When they did get through Tim Howard pulled off a couple of great saves. I had to get myself to the Radio City tower for our afternoon show and I was just parking up when Frank Lampard scored. I must admit I thought we were out and I couldn’t see us coming back from that. I was sat watching with Ian St John and the boys when Branislav Ivanovic fouled Phil Jagielka 25 yards out. As soon as it was given I said I fancied Leighton Baines from that position.
Mikel Arteta’s strike rate over the past 12 months hasn’t been great and it was in a perfect position for a left footer. What a strike it was from Baines and he gave Petr Cech absolutely no chance.
Having the penalties taken at the Everton end was a big plus for us. Howard made up for Baines’ miss with a great save to deny Nicolas Anelka John Heitinga’s reaction to the fans on scoring his penalty was magnificent. As Heitinga walked back he brushed past Ashley Cole. It was mind games and that’s all part of football. I’m not saying that’s why Cole missed but he clearly didn’t like it and it certainly gave an extra buzz to our fans. After Cole blazed over we needed a cool head and we were lucky that Phil Neville stepped forward. I was shouting for Phil to take another step back because I was worried he was too close to the ball but what a penalty that was. To take 6,000 down there was an amazing effort and the scenes at the end were fantastic. If we had gone out all the Blues would have had to look forward to is a dogfight to stay in the Premier League. But thankfully the dream of FA Cup glory is still very much alive.
The penalty miss for Everton I can’t forget
TAKING a penalty is a massive test of nerve. Some players thrive on that kind of pressure, while others don’t fancy it. It’s all about keeping your bottle. I admire anyone who sticks his hand up and volunteers to take one and I’ll never knock anyone for missing a penalty. I took quite a few during my playing days at Doncaster and I remember scoring two in a hat-trick I got against Reading when we won 7-5. I missed one at Leeds and at Everton I wasn’t really required as we had Kevin Sheedy on penalty duty. You could always rely on him and that special left foot of his. I wouldn’t want him to get too big headed but he was superb. I took two penalties for Everton. The first was in a Full Members Cup quarter-final against Charlton in March 1987. I scored but I can’t honestly remember much about it. However, the one I missed I’ve never been allowed to forget. It was in what was called the Dubai Champions Cup – an unofficial British Championship match – against Rangers in December 1987. I remember we went 2-0 up but Rangers pulled it back to 2-2 and it went to penalties. Chris Woods saved my spot-kick and Rangers won the shootout 8-7. It’s something I’m often reminded about it when Chris and I are having a round of golf together. But he doesn’t deserve any credit for it. It was a terrible penalty and any keeper would have kept it out. Everton can’t afford to dwell on FA Cup success FA CUP success is brilliant but improving Everton’s league position is even more important. After the euphoria of Stamford Bridge, the Blues have to ensure they are ready to face Sunderland at Goodison on Saturday. We’re only three points above the bottom three and we don’t want to be dragged any close to the relegation zone. Sunderland are a decent side who work hard for each other. It won’t be easy but if we show the passion and commitment we showed on Saturday and the crowd get behind us we’ll have a great chance.
It’s a massive game and one we need to win.
Everton must be wary of Reading
GOODISON will be rocking when we entertain Reading in the last 16 of the FA Cup next Tuesday night. It’s a great chance to get to the quarter-finals but we have to be wary of the Championship club. After all they won at Anfield last season. The prize at stake is a trip to either Manchester City or Aston Villa. That’s not easy but I’ve still got a lot of belief in these players. And with our fantastic away following I’d back us to go anywhere and win if we can get past Reading. Why Everton coach Jimmy Lumsden has cost me a fortune EVERTON first team coach Jimmy Lumsden is a great pal of mine and I owe him a lot as he convinced Eddie Gray to sign me when he was at Leeds back in 1985. I get on fabulously with Jimmy but I do think he’s losing the plot. A few weeks ago I phoned him when I was at Finch Farm to see where he was. He explained he was getting showered and would meet me in a few minutes for a cup of tea. Anyway, 10 minutes later I looked out of the window and saw him driving out of the car park. He had forgotten he was supposed to be meeting me! I phoned him on Sunday morning and could hear football in the background. I wanted to speak to him about David Moyes’ horse which was running at Sedgefield later in the day. It was Jimmy who talked David into getting the horse as he’s good mates with Graham Bradley. Anyway, I’d followed Desert Cry’s progress with a fifth and a second last month and I wanted to know more about the gaffer’s horse.
Jimmy said he thought it had a chance but that he was going to Sedgefield and would call me back after he had arrived there when he knew more. That call never came, I didn’t put a bet on and Desert Cry won by 13 lengths. Jimmy’s bad memory cost me a fortune!

Everton FC's chequered history of penalty shoot-outs: A look back
By David Prentice Feb 22 2011
Stamford Bridge witnessed Everton’s latest penalty shoot-out success to seal a place in the last 16 of this season’s FA Cup. But there have been misses too. Goodison Park proudly staged European club football’s first ever penalty shoot-out – a European Cup decider in 1970 where Everton knocked out Borussia Moenchangladbach. But the Blues then had to wait 18 years to win another, and did so underneath the Twin Towers at Wembley Stadium. There was a British Championship marathon in the heat of the Dubai desert, settled only when Ian Snodin missed the shoot-out’s 16th kick, and the most reluctant penalty taker in Everton history when Ibrahima Bakayoko had to be persuaded to take off his tracksuit top before missing against Sunderland! Read on for a full run-down of Everton’s penalty shoot-out successes and failures.
November 4, 1970 - European Cup second round
Everton 1 Borussia Moenchangladbach 1 (Everton won 4-3 on penalties)
HISTORY was made when the English and German champions couldn’t be separated after 180 minutes of tension filled football. The European Cup was treated to its first penalty shoot-out tie-breaker, a method so successful it’s still with us 41 years later. Joe Royle was handed the opportunity to write his name into the record books, but saw his effort saved by Wolfgang Kleff, the honour of scoring European football’s first shoot-out goal going to Klaus Sieloff. But the evening still ended successfully for Everton thanks to Andy Rankin’s agility.
Everton - Borussia Moenchengladbach
1 Joe Royle (saved) Sieloff 2 Alan Ball Laumen (missed) 3 Johnny Morrisey Heynckes 4 Howard Kendall Koppel 5 Sandy Brown Muller (saved), The Everton goalkeeper was Andy Rankin.
March 3, 1987 - Full Members Cup quarter-final
Everton 2 Charlton Athletic 2 - Charlton Athletic won 6-5 on penalties
IF Everton’s first penalty shoot-out came in one of world football’s most celebrated competitions, their second came in perhaps one of the least regarded. The Full Members Cup competition was introduced to fill a gap in the fixture list created by the ban on English clubs in competing in Europe, and while 7,914 Goodison fans were hardly devastated by Everton’s quarter-final exit, the shoot-out did create one unusual slice of club history when goalkeeper Neville Southall took and scored the Blues’ fourth penalty kick.
Everton - Charlton Athletic
1 Adrian Heath Reid (saved), 2 Paul Wilkinson (saved) Walsh, 3 John Ebbrell Miller (hit bar), 4 Neville Southall Melrose, 5 Neil Adams (missed) Peake, 6 Pat Van den Hauwe Humphrey, 7 Ian Snodin Shipley, 8 Neil Pointon (missed) Stuart The Everton goalkeeper was Neville Southall.
December 8, 1987 - Dubai Champions Cup
Everton 2- 2 Rangers - Rangers won 8-7 on penalties:
TWO future Evertonians scored against the Toffees in a match billed as the unofficial championship of Britain, staged in Dubai. Iain Durrant and Richard Gough were both on target in a shoot-out which saw a remarkable 15 successive penalties converted before an Snodin’s decisive 16th was saved.
Rangers – Everton
1 McCoist Trevor Steven, 2 Fleck Graeme Sharp, 3 Roberts Kevin Sheedy, 4 Souness Adrian Heath,
5 Durrant Peter Reid, 6 Ferguson Kevin Ratcliffe, 7 Munro Neil Pointon, 8 Gough Ian Snodin (saved)
The Everton keeper was Neville Southall
April 16, 1988 - Football League Centenary Tournament – Wembley Stadium
Everton 1 Wolves 1 - Everton won 3-2 on penalties
A WEEKEND long tournament staged to celebrate the Football League’s centenary was a curious affair. First and second round matches were only of 40 minutes duration, necessitating numerous sudden-death penalty shoot-outs. Everton needed one to dispose of Wolves after a 1-1 draw, with childhood Evertonian Andy Mutch seeing his crucial effort saved by Neville Southall.
Everton – Wolves
1 Wayne Clarke Chard, 2 Peter Reid Thompson, 3 Adrian Heath missed Bellamy missed, 4 Alan Harper Mutch (saved), Everton goalkeeper was Neville Southall.
November 11, 1998 - League Cup Fourth Round
Everton 1 - 1 Sunderland (after extra time) - Sunderland won 5-4 on penalties:
WITH penalty shoot-outs introduced to replace replays in the League Cup, the number of shoot-outs has increased in recent years. But that still doesn’t mean that all players are always ready for them.
After John Oster had missed an opportunity to put Everton through to the last eight, Ivory Coast international Ibrahima Bakayoko needed to score to keep Everton in the competition, but as he trudged up to take his kick his team-mates had to chase after him and remind him to take off his tracksuit top! The subsequent kick was just as ill-prepared and Everton crashed out.
Sunderland – Everton
1 Scott Michael Ball, 2 Johnston John Collins, 3 Smith Marco Materazzi, 4 Makin (saved) Oster (missed), 5 Clark Tony Grant, 6 Quinn Ibrahima Bakayoko (saved) The Everton goalkeeper was Thomas Myhre.
September 27, 2000 - League Cup Second Round 2nd leg
Bristol Rovers 1 - 1 Everton (after extra time) - Bristol Rovers won 4-2 on penalties: THE Memorial Ground in Bristol became the graveyard for Everton’s League Cup hopes when Joe-Max Moore and Kevin Campbell both failed to score from 12 yards.
Bristol Rovers – Everton
1 Astafjevs Joe-Max Moore (hit post), 2 Walters Michael Ball, 3 Jones Kevin Campbell (saved), 4 Ellington (saved) Thomas Gravesen, Plummer, The Everton goalkeeper was Paul Gerrard.
September 12, 2001 - League Cup Second Round
Everton 1 -1 Crystal Palace (after extra time) - Crystal Palace won 5-4 on penalties:
EVERTON were beginning to fear League Cup penalty shoot-outs, going out of the competition for the third time in four years by that route. Only one player missed, but Kevin Campbell’s miss was enough to seal another exit.
Everton - Crystal Palace
1 Kevin Campbell (missed) Austin, 2 Steve Watson Freedman, 3 Abel Xavier Riihilahti, 4 Idan Tal Mullins, 5 Paul Gascoigne Morrison The Everton goalkeeper was Paul Gerrard.
November 6, 2002 - League Cup Third Round
Newcastle United 3 - 3 Everton (after extra time) - Everton won 3 - 2 on penalties:
EVERTON saved their fireworks display for 24 hours, finally celebrating their first penalty shoot-out success for 14 years. David Unsworth had converted a crucial penalty in extra-time, and when his shoot-out effort was saved Blues feared the worst. But a stunning performance between the posts from the oft-maligned Richard Wright ensured Everton progressed and the feelgood factor created by the defeat of Arsenal (Remember the name!) and a first win at Leeds in more than 50 years continued.
Newcastle United – Everton
1 Dyer David Unsworth (saved), 2 Solano Steve Watson, 3 Viana (saved) Wayne Rooney, 4 Chopra (missed) Kevin Campbell, 5 Robert (saved)
December 3, 2003 League Cup Fourth Round
Middlesbrough 0-0 Everton (after extra time) - Middlesbrough won 5-4 on penalties:
AFTER the highs of the Newcastle success, it was back to shoot-out gloom the following season at the Riverside Stadium. Only one kick from the 10 was unsuccessful, but that was enough to see Everton knocked out.
Everton – Middlesbrough
1 Thomas Gravesen Ricketts, 2 David Unsworth Zenden, 3 Leon Osman (saved) Mills, 4 James McFadden Maccarone, 5 Alan Stubbs Mendieta, The Everton goalkeeper was Nigel Martyn.
September 22, 2004 League Cup Second Round
Bristol City 2 - 2 Everton (after extra time) Everton won 4-3 on penalties:
DUNCAN FERGUSON had scored a penalty in regulation time at Ashton Gate, but had been substituted by the time a penalty shoot-out was neeed. His replacement Kevin Campbell, however, was on target and Lee Carsley converted the deciding kick.
Bristol City – Everton
1 Murray Steve Watson (saved), 2 Lia (hit post) Tim Cahill, 3 Heffernan Alan Stubbs, 4 Miller Kevin Campbell, 5 Coles (hit bar) Lee Carsley The Everton goalkeeper was Richard Wright.
March 12, 2008 - Uefa Cup Round of 16, 2nd leg
Everton 2 - 0 Fiorentina (after extra time) - Fiorentina won 4-2 on penalties:
AFTER Everton had heroically turned round a 2-0 first leg deficit, they finally ran out of steam in a penalty shoot-out. Yakubu sent the Italian keeper the wrong way, but struck the post and when Phil Jagielka’s effort was saved Everton’s European camapign was over.
Everton – Fiorentina
1 Thomas Gravesen Panzinni, 2 Yakubu (hits post) Montolivio, 3 Mikel Arteta Osvaldo, 4 Phil Jagielka (saved) Sanatana, The Everton goalkeeper was Tim Howard.
April 19, 2009 FA Cup Semi-Final (Wembley)
Manchester United 0 - 0 Everton (after extra time) - Everton won 4-2 on penalties

AFTER having seen one crucial penalty kick saved just 12 months earlier, Phil Jagielka showed nerves of steel to step up and drive home the most wildly celebrated shoot-out spot kick in Everton history.
Just like Saturday at Stamford Bridge, United appeared to have the edge when Tim Cahill smashed the first kick over the bar. But Tim Howard made consecutive saves from Berbatov and Ferdinand, Leighton Baines, Phil Neville and James Vaughan were all nerveless – then Jagielka sparked the greatest rendition of Z-Cars ever seen outside of Goodison Park.
Everton - Manchester United
1 Tim Cahill (high & wide) Berbatov (saved), 2 Leighton Baines Ferdinand (saved), 3 Phil Neville Vidic, 4 James Vaughan Anderson, 5 Phil Jagielka, The Everton goalkeeper was Tim Howard.
February 19, 2011 - League Cup 3rd Round
Brentford 1 - 1 Everton (after extra time) - Brentford won 4-3 on penalties:
JERMAINE BECKFORD had celebrated his first Everton goal from the penalty spot in the previous round against Huddersfield Town. But he couldn’t convert from 12 yards in the penalty shoot-out at Brentford, meaning Phil Jagielka needed to score to make The Bees take a a fifth spot kick. He struck the post.
Everton – Brentford
1 Leighton Baines Weston, 2 Phil Neville Forster, 3 Mikel Arteta Spillane, 4 Jermaine Beckford (saved) Macdonald, 5 Phil Jagielka (hit post)
The Everton goalkeeper was Tim Howard.
19 February 2011 - FA Cup 4th Round Replay
Chelsea 1-1 Everton (after extra time) - Everton won 4-3 on penalties:
PHIL NEVILLE claimed an unusual slice of Everton history on Saturday, when he became the first Evertonian to score in three different penalty shoot-outs – and there was never any doubt about his decisive kick.
Chelsea – Everton
1 Lampard Leighton Baines (saved), 2 Drogba Phil Jagielka, 3 Anelka (saved) Mikel Arteta, 4 Essien Johnny Heitinga, 5 Cole (high & wide) Phil Neville The Everton goalkeeper was Tim Howard.

Everton FC’s Jack Rodwell pays tribute to Blues medical staff
by James Pearce, Liverpool Echo
Feb 22 2011
JACK RODWELL has paid tribute to Everton’s medical staff as he eyes a swift return to action against Sunderland at Goodison this Saturday. The 19-year-old was expected to be out for four to six weeks when he suffered a groin injury playing for England Under-21s against Italy a fortnight ago. However, Rodwell has made impressive progress at Finch Farm and boss David Moyes hopes he will be available for the visit of the Black Cats – particularly as Tim Cahill could be a doubt after the ankle knock that forced him out of the FA Cup win at Chelsea on Saturday after 70 minutes. It’s the second time this season Rodwell has shown his powers of recovery as he returned ahead of schedule after damaging ankle ligaments last August. “The medical staff here are really good,” Rodwell said. “I have full faith in them and hopefully I can shave off a few weeks. “My last injury I was told it would be three months but I was back in two, maybe even less.” Rodwell is desperate to play some part in the game against Sunderland as Everton look to build on the triumph over Chelsea. With the Blues just three points above the Premier League drop zone, Rodwell is under no illusions about the importance of the clash with Steve Bruce’s side. “Sunderland is a massive game for us,” he added. “We need to pick up as many points as we can – especially at home. “There is still so much to play for. We are still in the Cup and if we had beaten Bolton last week we would have gone eighth and been just outside the European places. “The league is still tight and the places are there for the taking.” Meanwhile, John Heitinga has revealed he had to control his anger at being left out of the side to face Chelsea to help the Blues progress to the last 16. The Dutchman, who was dropped in favour of Phil Jagielka, replaced Leon Osman in extra time and held his nerve to score in the shootout. “It started with me getting dropped which I didn’t agree with,” he said. “I don’t know (why), the manager chose a different team and then I came on and we had a penalty shootout and I could cool my anger.” After scoring his penalty Heitinga clashed with Ashley Cole on his walk back to the centre circle. The England left-back looked less than impressed and promptly blasted his effort over the bar. Heitinga added: “He didn’t budge, and neither did I, so we bumped into each other.
“I tried everything I could to disrupt his concentration.”

Everton FC latest: FA Cup win can spark charge for Europe, says Phil Neville
by Ian Doyle, Liverpool Daily Post
Feb 22 2011
FA CUP hero Phil Neville admits eliminating Chelsea has salvaged Everton’s “disgraceful” season – and can help kick-start a charge for European qualification. Neville’s winning penalty in the shoot-out success at Stamford Bridge on Saturday has kept alive hopes of a silver lining to a difficult campaign for the Goodison outfit. Everton went into the game on the back of their shocking defeat at Bolton Wanderers that has left them just three points above the relegation zone. And the skipper accepts that, despite declarations to the contrary beforehand, victory over Chelsea could be a defining moment in the campaign for David Moyes’s side. “A lot was written and said about us before the Chelsea game that it was make or break for our season, and even though we played that down, it probably was make or break,” said Neville. “It was our last chance of getting success this season. And even though we had a disastrous game against Bolton we were so confident because we have played well against Chelsea twice. Confidence was really high. “Last Saturday was a watershed for us, and it’s now time to kick forward. The players we’ve got, the manager we’ve got, it’s been disgraceful the season we’ve had so far. “I definitely think a good cup run can be a catalyst for our form in the league. The confidence we gained from beating Chelsea, we have got to take that into the game against Sunderland this weekend.” Everton host npower Championship side Reading in the fifth round next Tuesday, where victory will earn a trip to either Manchester City or Aston Villa in the last eight. A rollercoaster season means Neville and his team-mates are refusing to get carried away by their memorable weekend achievement. But the captain has not given up hope of a Europa League berth with a strong finish to the campaign. “Too many times this season we have had a false dawn,” he said. “We beat Manchester City brilliantly, and lost the game after, and we’ve slipped up too many times. “But there’s still a long way to go in the season, and we can still get up that league, we still believe we can get to the Europa League qualifying stages. “To do that we have got to perform, and now it’s time to stop the talking and go out and perform. “Maybe we have been a little bit cautious this season, and it’s time to go out there and take the Blackpool route and just go for it.”
Meanwhile, Jack Rodwell is hopeful of bolstering Everton’s end-of-season charge with an early return to fitness. Moyes revealed last week that the midfielder could return in time for Saturday’s Premier League visit of Sunderland, despite Rodwell having expected to be out for at least a month after suffering a groin injury playing for England under-21s on February 8. And the 19-year-old said: “The medical staff here are really good, I have full faith in them and hopefully I can shave off a few weeks. My last injury I was told it would be three months but I was back in two, maybe even less.
“Sunderland is a massive game for us. All the league games are massive now. We need to pick up as many points as we can – especially at home – so Sunderland is huge. There was never any chance of us writing the season off, there is still so much to play for. We are still in the Cup, and if we had beaten Bolton last week we would have gone eighth and been just outside the European places – we will do our best now to make the season the best we can.”

ACADEMY FOOTBALL: Everton under-18s hit back to claim at point at Blackburn
by Chris Wright, Liverpool Daily Post
Feb 22 2011
) TOM DONEGAN’S second half goal helped Everton under-18s fight back to earn a point in a 2-2 draw with Blackburn Rovers at Finch Farm on Saturday. The point keeps Neil Dewsnip’s side top of the FA Premier Academy League Group C table by three points ahead of Bolton Wanderers, who have leap-frogged Manchester City. Everton’s youngsters twice had to come from a goal down to grab a hard-earned point but could easily have claimed all three. Rovers went ahead by capitalising on Johan Hammar’s error but Everton pressed for an equaliser with John Lundstram, Anton Forrester, Femi Orenuga, Danny Murphy and Donegan all going close. Just before the break they finally made the breakthrough as Forrester fired home a rebound. Blackburn took the lead again, this time from the penalty spot but Everton hit back again with Donegan levelling with 20 minutes left. Luke Dobie twice went close late on but in the end Everton had to settle for a point. Coach Dewsnip said: “It was a terrific game. We played exceedingly well in the first half and missed numerous chances. There was some outstanding football by the lads.” Everton will be carrying on their title pursuit this Saturday when they travel to Wolverhampton Wanderers (kick-off 11am).
Dewsnip’s youngsters have beaten Wolves twice this season, 2-0 in the Academy League and 2-1 in the FA Youth Cup. Dewsnip said: “It will be tough and they will be out to get their own back after the Youth Cup no doubt.” Tyas Browning is likely to be out for a couple more weeks with a leg injury.
EVERTON UNDER-18s: Roberts, Higgins, Bidwell, Murphy. Hammar, Orenuga, Barrow, Lundstram, Donegan, Dobie, Forrester. Subs: Johns, Waring, Dyer, Fitzgibbon, Kinsella.

Mark Lawrenson: Everton FC FA Cup win means standards can't slip now
Liverpool Daily Post
Feb 22 2011
FIRST of all, I need to emphasise just what a magnificent result Everton’s FA Cup victory at Chelsea was on Saturday. To go to the home of a team that haven’t been beaten in that competition for three years and come away with a victory is massive. For the fans, the players and the manager.
But amidst all the euphoria, Phil Neville’s sober response to the win perhaps summed it up best.
Allowing themselves to dip below the level they achieved at Stamford Bridge and plummeting the depths of the Bolton display would be unacceptable. And they have no excuses now. Okay, the lack of a proven striker in the wake of Louis Saha’s injury is undoubtedly a big blow. But let’s face it, this group have overcome worse in the past. And if they can do it at the home of the champions, arguably the toughest away ground to go to despite all their own problems, then they can do it any time. The leadership of Neville, the strong characters behind him like Phil Jagielka, Tim Howard and Tim Cahill, need to make sure the standards don’t slip. And the likes of Mikel Arteta now need to use the Chelsea win as a springboard to up their game between now and the end of the season.
After all, the highs of last weekend will soon count for nothing if they can’t be topped with a win over Sunderland on Saturday – and even more so in the fifth round tie against Reading after that.
I’m not going to say anything about Everton’s chances of actually winning the cup, because this is the FA Cup and anything can happen. And I don’t think there’s any danger of them being in a serious relegation fight – I was at West Brom on Sunday to see them take on Wolves and Everton are head and shoulders above sides like that. But a run to Wembley coupled with a climb up the table would help erase a lot of the gloom that has circled Goodison Park this season. And, more importantly, it might just convince David Moyes that there is a lot worth fighting for at this club after all. Compare his mood going into work yesterday to how he felt last Monday after Bolton. The weekend will have done wonders for his sanity. He has been more critical of his players this season more than at any other time but this week he can think, ’it’s a great club, it’s my team and they have restored my faith’. I said last week that Moyes really shouldn’t feel he could be better off anywhere else, but that maybe he needed something to convince him that was true. His players’ efforts on Saturday might just have done that.

Video nasty helped us shock Chelsea, says Everton FC skipper Phil Neville
by Ian Doyle, Liverpool Daily Post
Feb 22 2011
IT was the video nasty that no Everton player enjoyed sitting through. But Phil Neville reveals a viewing of the dismal defeat at Bolton Wanderers was the perfect catalyst for Saturday’s famous FA Cup triumph at Chelsea. The 2-0 loss at the Reebok Stadium was described by David Moyes as the worst performance of his nine-year reign as manager, lacking the heart and fight that has so epitomised his Everton teams. Neville admits it was only when the embarrassed squad were forced to watch a re-run of the game a few days later that they realised how abject the display was. And the determination to right those wrongs proved the driving force behind the dramatic shoot-out triumph at Stamford Bridge. “We hit rock bottom against Bolton after that performance and there was only one way and that was up,” says Neville. “I don’t think any of the players realised after the game how poor we were against Bolton. “It really was poor. The manager let us stew for a couple of days and then showed us the video of the game and we were embarrassed by what we saw. “He wanted a reaction, he needed a reaction from himself and from the team, and he got that on Saturday. “The financial reports came out in the week, that added to all the negativity. “We can’t do anything about that, we could only go out on the field and perform, and the thing the manager was so disappointed about after the Bolton game was he questioned our effort levels and our spirit – that is something that is ingrained in this club, and that is what he wanted us to show on Saturday, and that is something we did.” Everton now face a home tie against npower Championship side Reading next Tuesday. However, a congested fixture list means the Goodison outfit already know victory would earn them another difficult tie at either Manchester City or Aston Villa. But Neville draws encouragement from Everton’s record against the leading teams this season, with Arsenal the only side in the Premier League’s top seven having beaten Moyes’s men. “I think the draw could have been nicer,” he says. “But we beat Man City and we went to Aston Villa last season and were close to beating them. “We got to the final a couple of years ago by beating Liverpool, Man United and Villa, so you have to beat the big boys, and the bigger the team the better we’ve played this season.” Neville was the toast of his team-mates when stroking home the winning penalty past Petr Cech to earn Everton a 4-3 shoot-out triumph. It made the skipper the first player in the club’s history to score in three different spot-kick deciders having netted against Brentford earlier this season and in the FA Cup semi-final against Manchester United two years ago. And the defender has explained why he felt to confident stepping up to the 12-yard mark on Saturday. “Earlier in the week we’d had the Wednesday off, and I’d thought to myself ‘I’d not practiced my penalties’,” says Neville. “We’d played Chelsea twice and they’d both been draws and as captain I may need to step up and take responsibility for taking one. “So I went in on my day off and practiced them, and I was nailing them in practice, and that gave me confidence that I could do it in the game. It gave me confidence when I was in line waiting for 15 minutes to take my penalty. “I was confident that everything I had been practising in midweek would come off in that situation. “Obviously the only thing you can’t practice is the 40,000 crowd and the atmosphere. I was stood next to young Seamus Coleman and Victor Anichebe, and they took penalties in practice in midweek, and they both said this was nothing like in practice – and they were right. “When I was walking up for the penalty the thing I was thinking about was my wife and kids and my family up in the stand thinking they just don’t want me to miss here, so I had the pressure of my family behind me!” Meanwhile, Phil Jagielka has paid tribute to the 6,000-strong travelling army that followed Everton to Stamford Bridge at the weekend. “The management, the gaffer, the kit men, the physios, everyone was down there in front of the fans dancing at the end,” says the centre-back. “There were 6,000 there and it’s not around the corner, it’s a long way to come and they were fantastic throughout the 90 minutes and throughout extra time. “Hopefully we gave them something to shout about.”

Formica on target in Rovers debut
Tuesday 22nd February 2011
By Andy Cryer »
The Lancashire Telegraph
MAURO Formica scored on his Blackburn Rovers debut as the reserves thumped Everton 5-1 this afternoon. The Argentine midfielder fired home after Matthew Pearson had glanced on a Josh Morris corner, to add to Morris' 6th minute opener. Pearson got on the scoreheet before the break from another set piece to give the visitors a commanding 3-0 half time lead. Zac Aley deepened the hosts' misery with a 25-yard strike, before Michael Potts completed Rovers' scoring as he pounced on a loose ball after Ruben Rochina had been brought down. Everton hit a consolation goal late on but the watching boss Steve Kean will have been pleased with the performances of his new signings.

Gary Rowell: Everton tough task for Sunderland after Chelsea win
Feb 22 2011 The Sunderland Echo
EVERTON’S win over Chelsea at the weekend could well have made Sunderland’s task against the Toffeemen this weekend doubly difficult. It also provides a perfect advert for the value of the FA Cup in helping turn a club’s season around. Everton have been going nowhere fast in recent months and there’s been a real gloom about Goodison Park but the club and its supporters will have received a huge lift courtesy of their cup victory over Premier League champions Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. It certainly gave Sunderland a massive lift when we won there in November and it could do the same for Everton. They will fancy their chances against Sunderland this weekend and in the half-dozen games that follow for Everton, David Moyes’ men have games they will view as winnable. It hasn’t been a great season for them so far but with Reading waiting in the next round of the cup, they could easily be looking at a semi-final, maybe even better, and the chance to surge back up into the top half of the table. This is the sort of optimism that a cup run can bring and it just reminds me how disappointing it was that Sunderland should not only have gone out of both cup competitions so early, but have gone out in home games on both occasions. With Manchester United and Arsenal looking likely to face each other in one semi-final, the way is open for Everton to maybe sneak through to a cup final if things work out well for them. And it means that Sunderland will face an Everton side looking to use cup joy to bounce themselves into league success.

Everton’s Cahill a doubt to face Sunderland
Tue Feb 22 The Sunderland Echo
EVERTON dangerman Tim Cahill is a major doubt for Sunderland’s game against the Merseysiders this weekend. The Australian midfielder (left) – who has starred in games against Sunderland over the years – was forced off after 70 minutes of the Toffeemen’s FA Cup win over Chelsea on Saturday with an ankle problem. And now Cahill, Everton’s leading scorer this season with nine goals, is struggling to be fit in time for Sunderland’s visit to Goodison Park this Saturday. Striker Louis Saha, though, is expected to return to first-team action after injury. Everton are three points off the bottom three but no one is seeing them as serious relegation candidates, especially with a long series of winnable games coming up and the club on a high after beating Chelsea in the FA Cup.
“It’s breathed new life into the club,” admitted club captain Phil Neville. “The fans were beginning to lose faith and there was a lot of negativity. “The financial reports came out and that added to the negativity, so Chelsea was probably make or break for us.”

Everton FC striker Apostolos Vellios gives David Moyes food for thought
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
Feb 23 2011
EVERTON’S new striking starlet Apostolos Vellios showed a glimpse of why he was coveted across Europe by scoring on his first appearance in a blue shirt. The Toffees were keen to play down their £250,000 capture of Vellios in January, with the only incoming player during the transfer window joining around the same time rivals Liverpool announced the £22.8m signing of Uruguayan star Luis Suarez. But David Moyes nevertheless had to fend off genuine interest from Fulham, Olympiacos, AEK Athens and Bolgona to convince the 19-year-old his future was in Merseyside, and Vellios has wasted no time impressing Finch Farm coaches since. The 6ft 3in target man scored Everton’s only goal in a 5-1 reserve team drubbing by Blackburn Rovers, a cooly taken strike from Nathan Craig’s pass, and will hope to build on that flash of potential before staking a claim for a place in Moyes’ first team plans. Vellios has been capped 14 times for the Greek U-19 team an scored seven times at that level, although he will have to continue to impress in the second string until the Everton boss is convinced he can handle the physical rigours of then Premier League. Meanwhile, the Blues are unperturbed about reports linking Real Madrid, Manchester United and Manchester City with interest in midfielder Jack Rodwell. The injured teenager, who is currently bidding to return to fitness ahead of schedule in time for Saturday’s Goodison clash with Sunderland, signed a five-year contract extension last summer and it would take a bid in excess of £20m to get Everton’s attention. One report claimed Madrid boss Jose Mourinho has asked for a scouting dossier to be compiled on Rodwell, and despite suggestions he could favour a summer move to Old Trafford, the England U-21 star is keen to establish himself in Moyes’ first team and become part of a successful side at Goodison before he even considers his future. Rodwell, who starred in the Blues pre-season tour of Australia before succumbing to an ankle injury early into the league campaign at Aston Villa, could be in contention against the Weirsiders on Saturday, especially if Tim Cahill is unable to shake off a knock he picked up against Chelsea in the FA Cup on Saturday.

Everton FC eye dual boost from Tim Cahill and Louis Saha
by Chris Beesley, Liverpool Daily Post
Feb 23 2011
EVERTON are hoping to get a double boost for Saturday’s crunch game with Sunderland in the shape of Tim Cahill and Louis Saha both winning their fitness battles. Although Saturday’s penalty shoot-out over Chelsea in the FA Cup breathed new life into the Goodison Park outfit’s campaign, they still find themselves just three points above the relegation zone for the Black Cats’ arrival. David Moyes has been sweating on Cahill’s fitness ever since the Australian midfielder was forced out of their game at Stamford Bridge after 70 minutes. Despite missing a month of action on Asia Cup duty, the 31-year-old remains Everton’s top scorer this term with nine goals. Saha, who had netted five goals in Everton’s last five meetings with Chelsea before Saturday, has been absent with a hamstring problem since netting four against Blackpool. However, staff at Finch Farm remain hopeful that with a clear week ahead of the clash with Steve Bruce’s men, the pair will both be available for selection.
One player who again impressed as Everton knocked out the FA Cup winners of the past two seasons was Marouane Fellaini. Assistant manager Steve Round said: “He is really starting to establish himself now. “He has had a couple of years to get used to the Premier League and we must not forget he is still a young player and is still growing and maturing as a player. “His stature and performance levels are rising all the time – day by day and game by game. We see it in training and we see it in matches, he is such a formidable force for us and such a big presence in the midfield.”
Round admits that it took the Belgium international a while to regain his confidence and fitness following an injury picked up in the Merseyside derby at Anfield last season. He said: “The injury set him back a little bit. It was his first long-term injury and you have to discover how to get over that, but I think you will see him get better as he matures. “And the pleasing thing for Everton is that he can still get better, we have not seen the best of him yet. He can be a phenomenal player in years to come.” Meanwhile, teenage Greek striker Apostolos Vellios scored on his first appearance for the club yesterday but it was not a happy debut as Everton reserves crashed to a 5-1 defeat to their Blackburn counterparts at Finch Farm. The 19-year-old was snapped up by Moyes from Iraklis during the January transfer window. EVERTON have announced a price freeze on all season tickets for the 2011/2012 season. Despite a 2.5% increase in VAT earlier this year, adult season ticket prices will remain unchanged for next season, whilst the club has also revealed that junior season tickets, valid for anywhere in Goodison Park except the Family Enclosure, will be reduced to £199.

Blue Watch: Unfinished business to be taken care of in the FA Cup
by Gary Porter, Liverpool Daily Post
Feb 23 2011
TURNING POINT anyone?
With just a minute of extra-time to play, Frank Lampard appeared to have struck the hammer blow yet again, leaving us to concentrate solely on preserving our top-flight status for the remainder of a wholly frustrating campaign. But then a largely forgettable season was suddenly given an unlikely lifeline thanks to arguably our most consistent performer, who stepped up in the nick of time to curl a sublime 119th minute free kick into the top corner and send the 6,000 Evertonians delirious behind Petr Cech's goal. The rest they say is history and while our skipper took the glory with the all-important fifth spot kick – sparking jubilant scenes on and off the pitch – it's Leighton Baines' moment of magic that could go down in Everton folklore if we can make it to a second FA Cup final in three years.
And why not?
We shouldn't take Reading for granted, but I just can't see the players wasting all their hard work in West London by limping out of the cup to a midtable Championship side. Man City or Aston Villa would provide tough opposition in the sixth round, but we've got the beating of Mancini's men and after completely outplaying Villa during our 1-0 defeat earlier in the season, you just feel we owe them one. One thing Everton have consistently done this season, Arsenal aside to a certain degree, is turn up for the big games. We've now dumped the holders out in their own back yard, so if that doesn't give the players the belief to go on and win it, nothing will. There is a sense of unfinished business with the FA Cup after our remarkable adventure ended in disappointment at the final hurdle in 2009. For the time being though, thoughts of another memorable cup run need to be put to one side. Let's not forget we're only three points above the drop zone and every time we've threatened to surge up the table we've been dragged back into the mire. Saturday has to be the turning point for Everton. We failed to build on the excellent wins over Man City, Spurs and most recently Blackpool, and it's constantly been a case of one step forward, two steps back. Now is the time for us to build up some momentum. At Stamford Bridge we saw the spirited, never-say-die Everton that we've come to expect under David Moyes, but who have been missing in action on far too many occasions this season, no more so than against Bolton in our last, dismal league showing.
The dejected, defeated David Moyes who was slumped in the dugout at the Reebok Stadium was replaced by a proud man with a renewed hunger and drive on Saturday. What a difference a week makes.

Everton FC letters: FA Cup win a massive boost for all Blues
by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Echo
Feb 24 2011
WE should have been out of sight by the time Chelsea equalised at Goodison a few weeks ago and shouldn’t have needed Saturday’s replay – but they were the dominant team after half-time in this game and should have won it. That said, we hung in there and although he missed a penalty, what a hero Leighton Baines is. The best free kick this season! This result is a massive boost for management, players, fans and everyone connected with the club. Who says we’re in decline?
TopBalcony
CHELSEA are not the powerhouse they were but could still have fielded nearly two quality sides against us from their bench alone. So Saturday’s win is one for the book – even without Louie,Timmy and Beckford, the lads didn't quit. Credit to them all, especially skipper Phil Neville – probably one of the most underrated players in the game – for a fantastic result.
Blooper
TO be 1-0 down after 119 minutes and then 2-0 down in the shoot-out and still win shows huge character. Well done lads! Reading at home next round won't be easy, but we should be confident.
Ain't life grand?
Tim_Cahill
I’VE got to admit I thought we would still lose it on penalties with our record in shoot-outs. But then I heard about Chelsea’s record – it’s worse than ours. Well done lads – we needed something to cheer about! Joleon2
I JUST hope the win against Chelsea gets the confidence high and we start winning a few Premier League games. Bluewings
DAVID MOYES got the team selection and tactics spot on against Chelsea. My only worry is none of the strikers scored again – we had to rely on a defender to get us back in it!
Bluewinner
THE next four league games are vitally important to Everton’s preservation in the top flight, and it is imperative we get to 45 points as soon as possible. The speculation regarding Jack Rodwell’s future at Goodison is gathering momentum – therefore it is important the Toffees sort his future decisively and quickly. Everton do portray themselves well as a convivial family club, but fundamentally they are a business, and to survive in the Premier League or to compete for a Europa League place, investment is a requisite. So if the Manchester clubs do bid £35m-£40m for Rowell, then Everton, lamentably, should take it very seriously. Equally, the Blues have a precedent when they sold Wayne Rooney to United, which galvanised the club’s fortunes by finishing fourth the following season.
Everton are, as per David Prentice’s column in the ECHO a few weeks back, at a crossroads but direction could be ignited with (sadly) the sale of Rodwell and furthermore if both city of Liverpool clubs sit down and discuss a shared stadium.
David Kearns, Aintree
REGARDING the debate about the greatest-ever free-kick goals following Leighton Baines’s strike against Chelsea, I think it’s got to be Roberto Carlos for Brazil against France in 1997 in a warm-up tournament for the France ‘98 World Cup.
Pure class!
For a long time some people claimed it was a freak goal but they have since proven that is possible to hit the ball like this all the time if the conditions are right.
Supadave
THE recent eight-goal thriller against Blackpool brought back memories of my first game at Goodison in the late 1940s. I’ve seen so many memorable games and goals but three stand out:
The 1953 FA Cup quarter-final at Aston Villa. The game was goalless and into the second-half. Dave Hickson, blood covering the front of his shirt, collects the ball over the halfway line. Big Frank Moss was dragging him back but Dave carried on and thumped the ball into the net and we won 1-0.
The 1966 FA Cup final. Mike Trebilcock scores twice to bring us level with Sheffield Wednesday.
Then Derek ‘Shirley’ Temple puts the ball past Ron Springett and we win 3-2. A happy day for me and my brother because we were behind that goal. And the league game at Anfield in October 1984 when Graeme Sharp scored that wonder goal past Bruce Grobbelaar – fantastic!
Tony McDonald, L14

Everton FC jury: Blues fans on the FA Cup triumph at Chelsea and the Sunderland clash
by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Echo
Feb 24 2011
Tony Scott: Everton supporters deserved a big result from the team – and we got one! AFTER a woeful display from the same players a week ago at Bolton, the Everton players owed the travelling support a big result against Chelsea – and we got one. Good results all season against Chelsea, Manchester City, Manchester United and Spurs prove the team is capable but it doesn’t mean a thing when your getting turned over by the likes of West Brom, Stoke, Bolton and Blackburn.
After a fantastic result the club thought it would be a clever idea to unveil the season ticket prices for next season. They really know they are going to struggle to sell them this year due to the core of the fan base in this city being unemployed more than ever. They also don’t offer anything to excite the fans this summer on the transfer front too. If the current board aren’t ambitious with their money, why should the fans be with theirs? Debbie Smaje: Why Blues fans can never give up on this Everton FC side NOT for the first time this season, we have put in one of our best performances against one of the top sides, and come away with what we deserved. If we could only start playing like that against the sides around us in the table now, relegation is something that we will never have to worry about. The next seven Premier League games are absolutely crucial and will determine whether we need to be looking over our shoulders at the end or not. But if we play like we did at Chelsea every game, we have nothing to worry about! Easily the hardest we have worked all season, closing Chelsea down when in possession, and playing some good stuff when we had it, the guts we showed to take the game to penalties when we looked absolutely spent was fantastic. Leighton Baines’s goal was the stuff Everton legends are made of. To then follow up an amazing moment like that with the win in the shoot-out just shows why we can never give up on this side.
Richard Knights: The penalty shoot-out against Chelsea in the FA Cup said it all WE are Everton! Woeful against West Ham and baleful at Bolton. No surprise, then, that as punishment/ preparation for the Chelsea game, Moyes sat the squad down and forced them to watch a horrible video nasty – the Bolton game. Last Sunday 6,000 Evertonians occupied one end of Stamford Bridge. They refused to go until Chelsea had been knocked out of the FA Cup. I don’t know what it is, but in the direst of circumstances, when escape would elude even Harry Houdini, this team can dig an exit tunnel with only a blunt spoon for an excavation tool. The penalties said it all – Jags looking as though he’d gone 10 rounds with Mike Tyson; Anelka with that shoulders slouched casual miss; Heitinga giving Ashley Cole the shoulder; and for the final kick there was only one player you wanted to take it – Captain Fantastic. Lee Molton: David Moyes is the best manager for Everton FC and continues to work miracles THE smiles are still on our faces! Evertonians are the best fans in the League! To take 6,000 down to Chelsea for an early kick-off is amazing – and the win was just what we all deserved!
The performance from the boys was great, especially Howard, Baines and Fellaini. Baines’s terrific free-kick sent the away end wild. The penalty shoot-out was another rollercoaster ride for the Blues from Baines’s miss to Heitinga’s cool finish. It was then left for Captain Marvel to seal the win and for the party to start. David Moyes deserved to get a big win too – he is the best manager for us and continues to work miracles. It is good to see him happy again! The season ticket prices are out already for next season. Mr Kenwright, please give David Moyes some of this money or we will lose him in the summer!

Everton FC keeper Tim Howard hopes the Blues can maintain their impressive FA Cup form against Sunderland
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
Feb 24 2011
TIM HOWARD believes Everton must not waiver from their high standard of performance against Chelsea as they bid to resurrect their Premier League season. David Moyes’ side host Sunderland at Goodison Park on Saturday and victory is vital if they are to address the slump in league form which has seen them fall to 14th in the table. With Steve Bruce’s side seven points clear of the Blues, Howard insists they must replicate their FA Cup form to start catching up with the sides above them.
“We hope we can come out on top,” said Howard. “We need the points, we know our performances can be right up there with the very best and that is what we need (against Sunderland) – we have it all to do. “We have got a couple of tough games in the league coming up. “We face some opponents we feel that on our day, if we are playing right, then we can beat. “But you have to pay them respect and know that equally, if they are at their best, then they can get a result against us.
“So it is vital we reach that level we have done at times this season.” The Black Cats are enjoying a fine season, rarely straying from the top six. Steve Bruce’s ambitions have been boosted thanks to impressive backing from the club’s American owner Ellis Short, and Howard is not surprised to see the Black Cats pushing up the table. He said: “It is no secret they are improving. Their results are getting better and they are more consistent. “They are good at home and have added some quality players to their ranks. “Steve Bruce is a very good manager.” Bruce has managed to use his Manchester United links to recruit a promising crop of former Red Devils players, and while Howard knows the likes of Kieran Richardson and Danny Welbeck are talented players, he has been particularly impressed by £13m summer acquisition Asamoah Gyan. “All those guys (Richardson, Welbeck and Phil Bardsley) were quite young when I was there but they had talent and the right attitude and you knew they would go on and have good careers. He added: “Asamoah Gyan has shown all the quality of a top level striker. “I played with a guy in the US team who played with him in France and he told me that the guy had the quality from day one. “He has got a nose for goal.
“It takes some people time to adapt but it doesn’t seem to have taken him long at all. “They lost Kenwyne (Jones) in August and (Darren) Bent in January but he seems to have the character to fill those boots.”

Everton FC skipper Phil Neville does not envy David Moyes’ central defensive dilemma
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
Feb 24 2011
PHIL NEVILLE says he does not envy David Moyes’ selection headache in central defence.
The Everton skipper, who has his own managerial ambitions when he retires, sympathises with Moyes dilemma at who to leave out between Phil Jagielka, Sylvian Distin and John Heitinga.
With England star Jagielka struggling for fitness since January, Moyes has partnered the excellent Distin with Dutch World Cup finalist Heitinga. However, that changed after the Blues 2-0 defeat by Bolton Wanderers, when the Everton boss restored a fit-again Jagielka to the side to face Chelsea last Saturday and the switch yielded a clean sheet for 90 minutes. Heitinga, who scored an emphatically-taken penalty in the victorious shoot-out that decided the fourth round replay, admitted he was furious at being dropped, and Neville believes the situation at least proves Everton’s strength in depth. The trio are once again jostling for a starting place in the Everton backline for Saturday’s game against Sunderland, and while Neville praised Jagielka’s performance at Stamford Bridge he’s glad he doesn’t have to choose between them. He said: “He was outstanding against Chelsea and it’s a difficult situation for the manager. “We’ve got three international class centre backs and they are going to have to be rotated to keep them all happy.” One member of the Blues back four who is guaranteed his place against the Black Cats is Leighton Baines, who struck the perfect injury-time free kick to keep Everton’s hopes of progress in the FA Cup alive. And Neville is glad to see Baines has finally been recalled to the England squad after a string of outstanding performances this season. “It’s good that he’s back in the England squad now, and he’s getting his just rewards for his performances,” said the skipper. Meanwhile, Diniyar Bilyaletdinov insists Everton’s FA Cup run will not distract the players from overhauling their disappointing Premier League form. The Blues dramatic win over Chelsea may have sparked memories of the 2008/09 season when they beat Aston Villa, Liverpool, and Manchester United to get to the Wembley final.
But with the club stuck in the bottom half of the Premier League, the Russian midfielder says the players will not be sidetracked by their dreams of cup glory. The 25-year-old said: “The cup run is now a very important part of our season. It gives us a chance to get to Wembley and we would like to do that but it is important we don’t forget about the Premier League. “We need two runs – one in the league and one in the cup, and we know Sunderland is a big game for us.” Bilyaletdinov was not at the club two years ago when goals from Didier Drogba and Frank Lampard ended Everton’s chances of silveware on a warm Wembley afternoon. But he said: “I did not see the game but have the DVD at home. “Saha scored a great goal and you see the emotion in that moment. He is lucky to have scored at Wembley. “It is a great competition. “It is the second tournament in England and if you win this cup it makes history and everyone wants to win it. “It is important but is second to the league and we must do well this weekend.”

Match preview: Everton FC v Sunderland
By Sean Bradbury
Feb 24 2011
Everton FC players jump for joy after beating Chelsea on penaltiesEverton's last five games
Feb 19: FA Cup - Chelsea 1 Everton 1 (EFC win on penalties)
Feb 13: Premier League - Bolton 2 Everton 0
Feb 5: Premier League - Everton 5 Blackpool 3
Feb 1: Premier League - Arsenal 2 Everton 1
Jan 29: FA Cup - Everton 1 Chelsea 1
Sunderland's last five games
Feb 12: Premier League - Sunderland 1 Tottenham 2
Feb 5: Premier League - Stoke 3 Sunderland 2
Feb 1: Premier League - Sunderland 2 Chelsea 4
Jan 22: Premier League - Blackpool 1 Sunderland 2
Jan 16: Premier League - Sunderland 1 Newcastle 1
Past meetings and stats
In the past month, Tottenham have beaten Sunderland, Blackpool have defeated Tottenham and Everton have seen off Blackpool - so the Blues should beat Sunderland? Perhaps. The Black Cats have only lost five away games in the league this season and Everton have only won four at home, but historical precedent is heavily in the Toffees favour. Not since the 1996/97 season have Sunderland come to Goodison and plundered three points. Everton have won six and drawn two of the eight league ties contested on Merseyside since then. In that great home run, the Blues scored 24 goals - an average of three a game.
Quick Quiz
1) Which Blue scored twice in a 5-0 win against Sunderland back in December 1999?
2) Which side was current Sunderland manager Steve Bruce playing for in 1984 when they drew twice against Everton in the FA Cup fourth round?
3) Who did Everton sign from Sunderland in the 2003/04 season?
4) Which name is shared by a Sunderland defender from the 1970s and an Everton defender from the 1990s?
5) Which midfielder spent five years at Everton after signing from Sunderland in 1984?
The Blues head into the Sunderland game on a high after a dramatic FA Cup win against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. A Baines pearler levelled things for Everton and took the game to penalties. Captain Phil Neville converted the winning spot-kick to send David Moyes' men through to the next round.
Ones to watch
Everton
The Blues may have a double boost in attack as Tim Cahill and Louis Saha are in line to return to the fray. Cahill, who remains Everton's top goalscorer this season despite missing a month of action while on Asia Cup duty, is winning his fitness battle after being forced off at Stamford Bridge after 70 minutes. Saha is rapidly recovering from a hamstring problem and could figure at the weekend.
Sunderland
With Darren Bent departing for Aston Villa in January for big money, Sunderland are looking to Asamoah Gyan to be their main man up front. The Ghanaian now has nine league goals this season and is proving to be a force to be reckoned with in the top flight.
Latest odds from Betfred
Everton - 8/11
Draw - 11/4
Sunderland - 4/1
Quiz Answers 1) Don Hutchison, 2) Gillingham, 3) Kevin Kilbane, 4) David Watson, 5) Paul Bracewell

Everton FC FA Cup heroics must not distract us from Premier League, insists Diniyar Bilyaletdinov
by Ian Doyle, Liverpool Daily Post
Feb 24 2011
DINIYAR BILYALETDINOV has urged Everton not to allow their FA Cup heroics to distract from their attempts to climb up the Premier League table. The Goodison outfit entertain Sunderland on Saturday on a high following their memorable fourth-round Cup replay win at Chelsea last weekend.
Victory for Blackpool over Tottenham Hotspur in midweek has seen David Moyes’s side drop to 14th place, only three points off the relegation zone and five points clear of bottom-placed Wolverhampton Wanderers. However, such is the congested nature of the top flight that they stand only seven points adrift of seventh-placed Sunderland with a game in hand. And with a fifth-round tie at home to Reading to come on Tuesday night, Bilyaletdinov believes Everton cannot afford to let their league efforts be overshadowed. “The Cup run is now a very important part of our season,” said the Russia international. “It gives us a chance to get to Wembley and we would like to do that but it is important we don’t forget about the Premier League. “We need two runs – one in the league and one in the cup, and we know Sunderland is a big game for us.” The shoot-out triumph at Chelsea last Saturday was further evidence of Everton’s excellent record against the Premier League’s leading clubs this season. And goalkeeper Tim Howard admits Moyes’s men set a standard at Stamford Bridge they must now maintain for the Sunderland game – and the remainder of the season. “We hope we can come out on top,” said Howard. “We need the points, we know our performances can be right up there with the very best and that is what we need (against Sunderland) – we have it all to do. “We have got a couple of tough games in the league coming up. We face some opponents we feel that on our day, if we are playing right, then we can beat. “But you have to pay them respect and know that equally, if they are at their best, then they can get a result against us. So it is vital we reach that level we have done at times this season.” Sunderland, who drew 2-2 with Everton at the Stadium of Light in November, are enjoying their best season in the Premier League. And with the likes of Ghanaian striker Asamaoh Gyan in their ranks, Howard is not surprised by the Black Cats’ progress under manager Steve Bruce. “It is no secret they are improving,” said United States international. “Their results are getting better and they are more consistent. They are good at home and have added some quality players to their ranks.
“Asamoah Gyan has shown all the quality of a top level striker. He has got a nose for goal. It takes some people time to adapt but it doesn’t seem to have taken him long at all. “They lost Kenwyne (Jones) in August and (Darren) Bent in January but he seems to have the character to fill those boots.”

Sean McGuire: Are professional footballers worth the money?
Liverpool Daily Post
Feb 24 2011
DOES being a professional footballer actually have an impact on the quality of the player?
After yet another failure of a premiership team to beat a non-league team by a cricket score, it is a legitimate question. After all, if the payment of vast wages does not guarantee quality and superiority, then what does it guarantee? If this result was a blip, then we could put it down to one of those things. But Manchester United’s failure to convincingly beat Crawley Town is not the first time in the last few years that even they have struggled to overcome opponents from three divisions below them. When you look at the difference between the two sets of players, it is an interesting question as to why one does not always triumph with ease over the other. With the small caveat that the Premier League teams usually rest players, they still select from their first team squad of players they have recruited from all over the world, with no expense spared. They are then put through the very best training, coaching and overall preparation that money can buy. They train under the supervision of professional, full time, coaches and managers at elite facilities.
They get expert help and instruction from sports scientists, dieticians, strength and conditioning coaches, physiotherapists and sports psychologists, and they are looked after by doctors and other medical staff who are at their beck and call. It is hard to imagine how players who come through this kind of regime ever lose a game, never mind struggle, against part timers. Perhaps it is just that training all day does not bring any greater benefits than training for just a few hours? The law of diminishing returns must have an impact on all this (1,200 hours a year training is not necessarily better than 300 hours per year) which opens up the sensible option of making players part time, particularly in the lower leagues where most clubs are in financial trouble and cannot really afford full time squads. But it may also be the case that some of the fads and trends of sports science are over rated and of little real effect. The truth is that human performance cannot always be improved by applying a series of techniques, some of which add cost and time but little benefit. The farcical cosseting of modern professional sportsmen has not produced many world beaters. The ‘golden generation’ of Premier League millionaires hardly set the world on fire, and if they had been paid on results their wealth would be much diminished. Players at the top are worshipped for their skills and paid exceedingly well, perhaps they should remember that it is in games like the visit of Crawley Town that they need to prove why.

Manchester United old boys feature in Sunderland and Everton squads
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
Feb 25 2011
IT WILL be the Toffees and the Black Cats locked in battle for three crucial points – but ever-present in the background the spectre of the Red Devils will loom large. The incessant Old Trafford conveyor belt, which has deposited players in most Premier League teams at some point, has been especially kind to Saturday’s combatants at Goodison Park. For the Blues, three of their key men famously sported the red of Manchester United before arriving at Goodison Park. Tim Howard, Phil Neville and Louis Saha all tasted glory under Alex Ferguson before David Moyes came calling. For the visiting Weirsiders, Kieran Richardson and Phil Bardsley both progressed through the renowned youth system at Old Trafford before struggling to make the ultimate step to regulars under Ferguson, while Danny Welbeck is playing for his United future by underlining his undisputed talents on loan in the North East. Howard might not have had time to bond with Richardson and Bardlsey while the trio were club-mates, he was focussed solely on trying to nail down the number one jersey as the younger pair were just trying to catch the manager’s eye - but he knows they have been immaculately schooled. “All those guys (Richardson, Welbeck and Phil Bardsley) were quite young when I was there but they had talent and the right attitude and you knew they would go on and have good careers,” he says. Flying the United nest might be a demoralising necessity for young players, but it has given Richardson and Bardsley a new lease of life away from the highly pressured regime at the other end of the M62. Howard, so fundamental to Everton’s success in the FA Cup against Chelsea last weekend, has often spoken of how Everton rescued his career after it has slumped in Manchester.
Manchester United plucked him from the MetroStars and he had an excellent start until late in the 2004 season key mistakes damaged his confidence. "Going to Everton got me on track. It was my new lease on life. The move to Everton was the starting point and the finishing line was in 2010, and I needed to win that race,” “So, in my head, I had it mapped. In 2006, I was 27. In 2010, I would be 31, and from what I hear, that's the time when a goalkeeper is just coming into his prime. “At Manchester United, it was, 'be really careful not to make a mistake because you'll be out of the line-up'. At Everton, they were not going to give you a pat on the back if you make a mistake, but they were going to give you the opportunity to correct it. “My conviction in goal, my belief in what I was doing, became a lot stronger.” The move has not harmed the American’s long-term career. He went on to star for his country in 2009’s Confederate cup of nations, and then last summer’s World Cup in South Africa. And when Everton knocked United out of the 2009 FA cup semi-final on penalties, it was Howard - who else? - that made the crucial saves to remind his former employers what they were missing. Neville too has never looked back since departing Old Trafford, even if the committed United fan is a frequent visitor to his former employers. The 34-year-old’s vintage form led Harry Redknapp to try and lure him to White Hart Lane in January, and Moyes will have been reminded why he resisted the deal when Neville calmly rapped his penalty past Petr Cech last Saturday. The Toffees skipper has also gone on record to describe the difficult transition from his boyhood club. “[Moyes] wanted to change the mentality of Everton and at the time it was really difficult for me because I wanted to be accepted as Phil Neville the player not Phil Neville the ex-Man United player,” he once said about his 2005 transfer to Goodison. “It probably took a season for my team-mates to fully understand that I wasn't a spy or a teacher's pet. I didn't leave United to see out my career picking up wages. I wanted success... when you want to win things you have to upset people and it was a difficult time.” Neville and Howard may have plenty in common with Bardsley and Richardson, but on Saturday there will be little time for nostalgic recollections. Saving their current club’s season, will be their all-encompassing focus.

Howard Kendall: Everton penalty success was well deserved
by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Echo
Feb 25 2011
PENALTY shoot-outs are always nerve-shredding and Everton deserved their taste of glory for weathering the jitters to beat Chelsea. I was extra pleased Ashley Cole missed and Phil Neville scored to seal the tie because it would’ve been particularly unfair on Leighton Baines to be on the losing side after he saw his penalty saved in the shoot-out. He deserved it for the quality of that free-kick in extra time. It was like David Beckham with a left foot.
I know that Bainsey must have practised that an awful lot, just like Neville admitted he stayed behind to practise penalties after training. That extra commitment can make the difference. It’s hard to decide on the value of practising penalties, because you can never replicate the actual feeling in a game – the atmosphere, the nerves, it’s totally different. One thing I noticed that could have been instrumental last Saturday was a divot in the pitch near the penalty spot. I actually suspect that’s why Cole missed rather than John Heitinga shoving into him. Most of the players were fussing around the spot, and you could see Baines really took his time over how to plant it. If the pitch is uneven it can really affect how you strike the ball. Of course, the lads taking the penalties on both sides were faced with quality goalkeepers too. So next up it’s Reading and Everton must focus solely on that tie. Ultimately, if the Blues can beat a decent Reading side it'd be hard to pick who they’d rather face between Aston Villa and Manchester City. Both are tough prospects, so let’s just hope this cup run has that sprinkle of magic on it and they can do it the hard way, like in 2009, all over again. It looks like they’ll have to!

Howard Kendall: My affection for Sunderland top cat Niall Quinn
by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Echo
Feb 25 2011
THE focus shifts right back to the Premier League this weekend, and the less glamorous but essential task of getting three points from a strong Sunderland side tomorrow. David Moyes would seem to have a dilemma on his hands with choosing between Sylvain Distin, Phil Jagielka and John Heitinga in central defence. It’s a tough one, but that’s the sort of decision he is employed to make. It’s not just at the back where the manager needs to mull over the right formula. If Tim Cahill is fit, Moyes will have to decide on how to fit him back into the side while still playing the free flowing football that got them scoring goals while Tim was at the Asia Cup. Let’s hope Louis Saha can give everyone a boost by getting back. Full credit to Sunderland, they’ve really backed Steve Bruce in the transfer market and he’s spent wisely. I’m pleased the Black Cats are doing well for Niall Quinn. I signed Niall from Arsenal for Manchester City, and he’s a cracking lad. As a player, he reminds me lot of Peter Crouch – he could be deceptively good on the deck. It got to his head a bit at one point. He tried a fancy flick in a game and it worked so the fans started calling him ‘Quinninho’. I had to convince him his strengths lay elsewhere!

Dave Prentice: Mirror image of Phil Neville is off target
by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
Feb 25 2011
Dave Prentice: Mirror image of Phil Neville is off target
THE Mirror’s Ollie Holt, formerly of this parish, had his heart in the right place when describing Phil Neville’s conduct during the January transfer window. “If Phil Neville had been a selfish man who cared nothing for his club and its fans, he might have forced a move to Spurs,” he wrote – which is absolutely right. But I can’t help taking issue with his conclusion. Ollie added: “Instead, the 34-year-old stayed at Everton without making a fuss and on Saturday scored the winning penalty in Everton’s FA Cup victory over Chelsea, a moment that was one of the highlights of his career.” Phil surely enjoyed the moment, but maybe not as much as any of the six Premier League titles he won, the three FA Cups, the 59 England caps and a reasonably satisfying Champions League final in Barcelona. It probably wasn’t even the most satisfying penalty shoot-out success of Neville’s Everton career. A spring afternoon at Wembley when the Blues’ skipper slotted past Ben Foster might have the edge, too!

Dave Prentice: Mellow David Moyes is smiles better for Everton
by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
Feb 25 2011
Everton FC manager David Moyes enjoys a smileDAVID MOYES described Everton’s 2-0 defeat at Bolton this season as the worst of his nine-year tenure as manager. It wasn’t.
It wasn’t even Everton’s worst defeat at The Reebok under Moyes. A wretched 2-0 tumble in November 2003 holds that particular claim to infamy. But while Moyes’ memory might have been flawed, his motives were totally spot-on. He played down the performance because he wanted a reaction from his players – and he got one. It’s further evidence of Moyes’ growing maturity as a manager. Stories of Moyes’ demanding nature are legendary. He craves 100 per cent intensity from his playing staff 100 per cent of the time. And when he doesn’t get that commitment, he kicks off. I can grimly recall listening to a succession of disgruntled moans from a number of players about the manager’s conduct after a dreadful 3-0 defeat at Birmingham. It wasn’t just the performance which upset him; the players had celebrated Kevin Campbell’s birthday days earlier – and the manager wasn’t just angry: he was incandescent. Moyes moaned, he bitched – and he ran and ran and ran the players in training. Their response in their very next game was to let a 3-1 lead slip in the last 12 minutes at Southampton. Since then Moyes’ methods have been honed. And the performance and result at Stamford Bridge suggests Everton are benefiting from that experience. Defeats still hurt the Blues’ boss as much as ever. His face during and after that Bolton defeat sparked countless rumours – but it merely underlined how much he still hates losing. But his post-match reaction was different. He sat the players down, he made them watch a video nasty of the Reebok collapse, and this time his work was constructive rather than destructive. There are some supporters out there who believe nine years is too long for an Everton manager to still be in the same job without a trophy. I believe that the time Moyes has spent in the manager’s chair at Goodison will help take the Blues closer to that long cherished silverware. And who knows? His post-Bolton response may well have been a significant step on the road to this season’s FA Cup.

Everton FC star Leon Osman says Blues must finish on a high to keep hold of their stars
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
Feb 25 2011
LEON Osman believes Everton must finish their season on a high to keep hold of their top players this summer. Osman says that rumours of interest in Marouane Fellaini from Chelsea, and reports that Manchester United are keen on Jack Rodwell simply underlines the quality at Goodison. David Moyes has already conceded that keeping hold of Fellaini will be a key element of his plans this summer, and contract negotiations with the talented 23-year-old are a priority for the Toffees. But with Steven Pienaar departing for Tottenham in January, and Moyes’ men struggling to make an impact on the Premier League so far this season, there is a growing feeling that clubs will try and prise away the Blues’ best player if they fail to qualify for Europe. Osman admitted that while the possibility of losing the likes of Fellaini and Rodwell is worrying, but insists neither will let rumours ruin their focus on salvaging Everton’s season. He said: “I think the quality we’ve got at the club shows when people are always being linked with our players. “They’ve performed very well and it’s only right that clubs are showing interest. “It possibly is a worry for us trying to keep them, but they’re good lads and as long as we can keep them they’ll be fully committed. “We’ve had such a poor start to the season and found ourselves where we are that we need to now pick up points and get up the league. If we finish on a high then hopefully we can take that into next season as well.”
Meanwhile, Everton have completed the signing of young Swedish centre-back Johan Hammar on a permanent contract. The defender moved to England last year with a view to penning a deal on Merseyside, but was ineligible to sign a contract with David Moyes’ side until his 17th birthday earlier this week. Hammar, formerly of native club Malmo FF, will now link up with Alan Stubbs’ reserve squad along with fellow promising new boy Apostolos Vellios. He said: “It feels really fun. When I moved to England last summer, I knew it would happen, but it was not signed until now.
“I am truly happy to play for a Premier League club.” Elsewhere Sunderland manager Steve Bruce is sweating on the fitness of defender Michael Turner ahead of Saturday’s visit to Goodison. Bruce is keeping his fingers crossed after centre-back Turner suffered a setback on his return from injury.
The 27-year-old was today visiting a specialist after complaining of pain in the knee he injured against Everton in November. Turner had returned to training after damaging ligaments when he collided with a goalpost in November, and Bruce had hoped to have him back at his disposal in a few weeks’ time. “Michael is going in for a scan so that we can find out exactly what the problem is,” he said. “It is pointless speculating on what might or might not be wrong.” Turner, who joined the club from Hull in August 2009, was injured sliding in to successfully clear a Tim Cahill effort off the line during his side’s 2-2 draw with the Toffees.

Back Of The Net: Our football highlights of the week including Leighton Baines, Kenny Dalglish and Boyzone
By Neil MacDonald
Feb 25 2011
Welcome to Back of the Net, our weekly round-up of football coverage on our sites and across the web. Keep your eyes peeled for suggestions for next week's Back of the Net and feel free to submit them for inclusion either via email to liverpooldigitaldesk@gmail.com or by giving us a shout on Twitter at www.twitter.com/livechoefc or www.twitter.com/livecholfc
Top football stories
1) Rodolfo Borrell excited by Liverpool FC's crop of talented youngsters
2) Silver lining for Raheem Sterling in Prague
3) Andy Carroll and Kenny Dalglish at Boyzone concert
4) Two dogs finest 11: Huyton-born footballers who made the grade
5) Apostolos Vellios gives David Moyes food for thought

Everton FC manager David Moyes assessing Leicester midfielder Andy King
Liverpool Daily Post
Feb 25 2011
DAVID MOYES is running the rule over Leicester City’s highly-rated midfielder Andy King. King is attracting growing interest from Premier League clubs as he plays a significant part in the Foxes’ challenge for promotion to the top flight. The 22-year-old has netted 13 goals in 33 npower Championship games this season, having been the players’ player of the year last year at the Walkers Stadium. King made his debut for Wales in May 2009 and scored his first goal for his country last August against Luxembourg. Everton manager Moyes has been warned not to expect a transfer warchest when the summer window opens, but has previous success in plucking players from the lower leagues such as Tim Cahill and Joleon Lescott. Meanwhile, Everton skipper Phil Neville believes the return of Phil Jagielka to the starting line-up has given Moyes a welcome headache in central defence. Jagielka was impressive alongside Sylvain Distin during Saturday’s FA Cup triumph at Chelsea, while John Heitinga has also occupied the heart of the backline in recent weeks. And Neville said: “Jags was outstanding against Chelsea and it’s a difficult situation for the manager,” said Neville. “We’ve got three international class centre backs and they are going to have to be rotated to keep them all happy.” Everton continue on the road to Wembley on Tuesday when they entertain Reading in the fifth round. And the club have moved to clarify forthcoming fixture information for supporters relating to the Cup run. If Tuesday’s game ends in a draw, the replay will take place at Reading on March 8 at 8pm which would mean the postponement of the March 9 home Premier League game against Birmingham City until a later date. And should Everton progress to the quarter-finals, it will take place against either Manchester City or Aston Villa on Sunday, March 13 with a 4.45pm kick-off. Two more Everton games have been moved for television coverage, with the away matches at Wolves on April 9 and Manchester United on April 23 having been brought forward to 12.45 kick-offs.

Everton ladies aiming for Women’s World Cup Finals
Liverpool Daily Post
Feb 25 2011
EVERTON LADIES won’t be short of motivation in the coming months as competition hots up for places in the England squad for this summer’s FIFA Women’s World Cup Finals in Germany.
This year marks the start of an exciting new era in the women’s game with the FA Women’s Super League (WSL) being launched in April. Prior to that Everton have the small matter of a Champions League quarter-final clash with German outfit FCR 2001 Duisberg next week. Everton will begin their Super League campaign with a derby against Liverpool on April 14. Participation levels in women’s football at an all time high with over one million girls playing in this country. And in changing from a winter to a summer league the FA hope to encourage greater interest in the sport. A deal has already been signed with ESPN to broadcast five live matches. The semi-professional league, which will include eight teams and run until August, will be split into two halves with a break for the World Cup. Everton, who lifted the FA Women’s Cup last season after victory over rivals Arsenal, are likely to be well represented in Germany with half a dozen of their players having been selected for England’s warm weather training camp in La Manga last month. Defenders Lindsay Johnson, Rachel Unitt and Fern Whelan along with midfielders Jill Scott and Fara Williams and striker Natasha Dowie were all in a 27-strong squad. With Blues goalkeeper Rachel Brown also part of the international set-up, it promises to be an exciting time for Mo Marley’s squad. England head coach Hope Powell is relishing the challenge facing her players in Germany from June 26 to July 17. The highly-rated Three Lions were drawn in Group B along with Japan, Mexico and New Zealand. “We go to La Manga every year because it’s always better to train in warmer weather but this year it had added importance,” Powell said. “Everything we do is geared towards the World Cup. We did really well in qualifying for the tournament but that’s history now and we have to kick on. “World football is phenomenal. Being in a tournament environment you never know what you are going to get. You rely on a little bit of luck as much as anything else. “You rely on the fact that everybody is going to stay fit and healthy. Our priority is to get out of the group and then we go from there.” England will continue their preparations for the tournament with a friendly against the USA – the No 1 ranked side in women’s football – at Leyton Orient on April 2. “The game will provide us with a great opportunity to test ourselves against one of the best nations in women’s football,” Powell added.
“We expect it to be a very challenging game, which is exactly what we need with a World Cup so close.” With 500,000 tickets already sold for the World Cup in Germany the tournament could prove to be a watershed moment for the women’s game.

Andrew Lee gives his prediciton on the Everton game
Fri Feb 25 2011 The Sunderland Echo
A VISIT to the “Blue Scouse” brings back very few pleasant memories. My last visit was meant to be a treat for my Dad’s 80th birthday – some treat it turned out to be. Terrible performance, banjoed 7-2 and topped the day by off by slipping and bouncing down the stairs (mainly on my head) on the way out of the ground. The only two games I can remember when we came away from there with any sort of positive result were two Mickey Bridges-inspired wins and one of those had to be on penalties in the League Cup. That shows how often we do well at this ground and of course we head there on the back three straight defeats and them having “turned their season round” in the cup last weekend. Is it me or does every team we play at the moment seem to pick up a bit of form just before they play us? I’ll gladly take the forward play from the last three games (without the flicks) but hope it gets backed up with some hard-headed resilient defending. The one thing I want to see at full-time is “Everton 0”. Here’s hoping. Prediction: Everton 2 Sunderland 0

Sunderland’s Goodison Park ghosts need exorcising
Feb 25 11 The Sunderland Echo
STEVE Bruce hopes Sunderland can lay their Goodison Park ghosts to rest tomorrow.
Sunderland have not beaten bogey team Everton on Merseyside since 1996, while a decade has passed since The Black Cats tasted victory over the Toffees on Wearside. Bruce experienced Sunderland’s Goodison curse last season when his side found themselves 2-0 down within the first 20 minutes before the game headed to an inevitable conclusion. “The game there last year was probably our worst of last season,” he said. “In the first half we were absolutely inept.” Even though Everton boast such a formidable record against Sunderland, Bruce retains his admiration for the job done by opposite number David Moyes in his nine years at the club. Despite languishing in the bottom half of the table for much of the season, Everton showed they are still a force to be reckoned with by beating FA Cup holders Chelsea at Stamford Bridge last weekend. Bruce said: “We’ve got to get ourselves established in the Premier League like Everton. “They seem to have been in the top flight in this country since the year dot. “David Moyes has maybe not had the financial muscle of other clubs but you have to admire what he does. “It shows you how tough the Premier League is when a club like Everton are still in the bottom half of the table. “He has done a fabulous job over the years and he’s given them huge stability. “When he first went in there, they were always at the bottom but he’s turned them round and they had a wonderful result last week. “That’s my vision of where Sunderland should be – cemented in the Premier League year-in, year-out.” A trip to Everton hardly promises to be the solution to ending Sunderland’s run of three successive defeats. And it won’t get any easier over the subsequent three games with trips to Arsenal and Manchester City sandwiching a Stadium of Light clash against Liverpool. But Bruce points to the way Sunderland have already upset the odds this season as evidence that they won’t be overawed by the task ahead. “I remember after losing against Newcastle that we had Stoke at home, Tottenham away and Chelsea away,” he said. “Everybody said ‘here we go’, but we picked up seven points from it. “We know they’re tough games but that’s the way the Premier League is. “It’s important we stick in there and keep ourselves in the top 10. “If we can, come April and May when we’ve got a few coming back from injury, we’ve got an outstanding chance of having a good season.”

Steve Bruce ready to put Sunderland in the zone
Fri Feb 25 11: The Sunderland Echo
SUNDERLAND boss Steve Bruce is contemplating whether to use zonal marking as the solution to Sunderland’s set-piece problems at Everton tomorrow. Bruce has been working his players hard on defending set plays in training this week after being the root cause of his worst run as Sunderland manager. The Black Cats have conceded five times from free-kicks and corners over their last three games which have all resulted in defeat to Chelsea, Stoke and Spurs. Bruce and assistant Eric Black have been experimenting with zonal marking when defending free-kicks on the training ground where players are responsible for marshalling an area of the penalty area rather than a member of the opposition. “Everyone uses the inswinging free-kick nowadays where basically they’re shooting,” said Bruce. “When you’re doing that and you are man to man, we’re finding our big headers of the ball are way out on the other side of the penalty area. “We could possibly go zonal and mark areas. “That’s one thing we might do from free-kicks. “When we’ve been man-to-man, there’s been a collection of people not doing their jobs by letting players go. “We’ve been chewing their heads off in training this week and hopefully they’ll be a little bit more focused tomorrow.”
Despite their set piece woes, Bruce has not been downhearted at Sunderland’s performances over the last three games. He hopes Sunderland’s players can maintain their confidence and draw on the positives from their defeats. Bruce added: “The results have been disappointing but the football we’ve played against Chelsea, Stoke and Totenham has been good. “It’s important we stay confident with it and hope we can keep playing the way we are and pick up a few results. I’m sure we can. “We’ve got to improve defensively from set pieces. “It’s been a huge disappointment considering the teams we’ve been playing against. In open play we’re alright.” Bruce may hand a recall to Ahmed Elmohamady ahead of Steed Malbranque tomorrow while Simon Mignolet is on stand-by to deputise for injury doubt Craig Gordon. But Fraizer Campbell, Lee Cattermole and Danny Welbeck will not be involved despite edging closer to a return.
Simon Mignolet in line for Merseyside mission
Feb 25 11:30: The Sunderland Echo
SIMON Mignolet is on standby to replace Craig Gordon at Everton tomorrow with Sunderland’s number one still troubled by the knee injury sustained on international duty. Gordon was forced to pull out of Scotland’s clash with Northern Ireland two weeks ago after feeling a niggling pain during training with Craig Levein’s men. The 28-year-old returned to the Academy of Light for treatment and was able to feature in Sunderland’s defeat to Tottenham Hotspur four days later. But despite a week’s rest in the wake of Sunderland’s third successive defeat, Gordon has continued to feel pain in his knee this week and is a doubt for the trip to Goodison Park. If Gordon fails to recover, Belgian stopper Mignolet will be given the nod to make his first appearance since January’s FA Cup third round defeat to Notts County. Black Cats boss Steve Bruce told the Echo: “Craig’s got a sore knee which flared up after he came back from Scotland and it won’t go away so Simon has a chance tomorrow.” Gordon has missed just one Premier League outing – December’s stalemate at Fulham – since regaining his starting spot from Mignolet in November. But his absence would hardly be a fatal blow to Sunderland’s hopes of registering a first victory at Goodison Park since 1996. Gordon has been shaky over Sunderland’s last three games – conceding a total of nine goals in defeats to Chelsea, Stoke and Spurs. Mignolet has impressed Bruce in training this week after sensing he has a chance of ousting the Britain’s most expensive goalkeeper, regardless of Gordon’s injury. The 22-year-old, signed from Belgian outfit St Truiden in the summer, has enjoyed a productive maiden season in English football – registering seven clean sheets in his 12 Premier League starts for Sunderland. Bruce added: “We conceded three at Stoke and Craig knows he should have done better there. I think his confidence has taken a bit of a knock since then. “When Craig is good, he’s very good, but he’s having a bit of a wobble at the moment. “Simon sniffs a chance at the minute and the kid has been fantastic in training. “He took one in the face from five yards the other day and got straight back up. He’s as brave as a lion.”

Head-strong Everton FC star John Heitinga admits he will play his mind games on brother-in-law Bolo Zenden
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
Feb 26 2011
JOHN HEITINGA believes there are enough good omens on his side to mean he’ll be the one smiling next time he shares some football banter with his brother-in-law. The defender comes face to face with his wife’s brother Bolo Zenden at Goodison today and typically the World Cup finalist is not lacking any confidence. “I have never lost against him (Zenden),” he said. “I have played against him a couple of times now and always won so hopefully we can win on Saturday. “We haven’t spoken about the game but I would think we will be having a chat before, and maybe I will remind him then.”

Win a pair of Puma King Finale boots signed by Everton FC’s Mikel Arteta
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
Feb 26 2011
HE hasn’t quite reached the level of performances this season that prompted Bill Kenwright to compare him to Alex Young – but Mikel Arteta is still a firm fans’ favourite. Now advocates of El Visio De Oro have the chance to win a pair of the white Puma boots Arteta wears while gracing pitches in the Premier League.
We’ve got a pair of the stylish Puma King Finale boots courtesy of prodirectsoccer.com – the world’s largest online football store, signed by Arteta himself. The boots are inspired by a classic design and revamped with modern technology and materials. The King Finale provides a clean kicking area and comfort for high performance, that has long been vouched for by professionals and amateurs. For your chance to win these top class boots, answer the following question: What is Mikel Arteta’s squad number at Everton?A) 10B) 9C) 24
Send your answer in on a postcard, or e-mail with ARTETA BOOT COMP in the title to sport@liverpool.com along with your contact details including address and contact telephone number.Meanwhile, supporters will live in hope that the Best Little Spaniard they know can recapture top form soon.

Everton FC are left out of the young gun transfer merry-go-round
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
Feb 26 2011
DAVID MOYES is a proud manager of a proud old club, so relying on the generosity of others, you may imagine, sticks unpleasantly in his throat. Perhaps that’s one reason why Everton have avoided the ever popular transfer trend of loaning bright young things from the Premier League’s top four.
Just this season, clubs like Bolton, West Brom, Aston Villa and Sunderland have all benefited from such deals, with high-quality young players like Daniel Sturridge, Kyle Walker, Carlos Vela, and Danny Welbeck being released by their well-staffed parent clubs to continue their footballing education elsewhere. It’s usually a win-win situation. Arsene Wenger is happy to admit that Jack Wilshere’s rapid progress of late owes much to the time he spent at Bolton last season. The young midfielder flourished at the Reebok Stadium, where he benefited from regular football, presumably toughened up away from the luxury of the Emirates, and along the way helped Owen Coyle’s side start playing the improved football they currently produce. Evertonians need only steel themselves and cast their minds back to the recent visit to the Reebok to recall the impact Daniel Sturridge had for the victorious home team. His goals could even determine whether the Blues can overhaul Bolton as they bid to climb up the league. Ominously, they don’t look like drying up any time soon. In January, when faced with a meagre budget and little luck in the transfer market, it’s hard to understand why Moyes did not pursue a deal for Sturridge, especially after James Vaughan’s departure, or for Arsenal’s Mexican starlet Carols Vela, who wound up at West Brom. The answer may be that these deals are a closed shop to Moyes. It’s highly possible that these deals are only on offer to clubs the top four do not view as rivals. While they are prepared to loan these players to clubs who are unlikely to jostle with them in the quest for European football, it may be they view loaning to sides which are more like rivals is simply bad business sense. That’s not to suggest Everton are miles ahead of Bolton, quite clearly not this season, but Moyes certainly has a pedigree for guiding his side into the top six and for bloodying the noses of the top four on numerous occasions. And yet, in January it was probably clear Everton are now, and this is putting it kindly, unlikely to be in the Champions League queue. While today’s opponents Sunderland will have the considerable goalscoring prowess of Danny Welbeck, could perhaps the Blues have enquired after United’s Frederico Macheda before his move to Sampdoria was sealed? It’s probable Bolton had enough good will in the bank with Arsenal to mean they were in the box seat for Chelsea’s Sturridge, and Everton are believed to have at least inquired. But what about Bebe? Or would Nicklas Bendtner have been tempted to come and prove himself in Merseyside? In lieu of benefiting from this ‘work experience’ conveyor belt, Moyes has gone about busily assembling his own crop of promising youngsters – paying small amounts for promising youngsters from other clubs. He has spent £250,000 on Greece U-19 striker Apostolos Vellios, recruited 17-year-old Swedish defender Johan Hammar from Malmo and highly-rated 16-year-old Shrewsbury goalkeeper Mason Springthorpe.
Everton even have Sporting Lisbon’s Eric Dier, touted by many as a future England defender, training at their academy presumably to give them a chance of landing his services should he become available to transfer and the inevitable list of English clubs get out their cheque books. Perhaps it’s Moyes’ way of going it alone. The top clubs won’t play ball in loaning their stars? He’ll build his own quota. The down side is that none of his current crop of youngsters, Magaye Gueye aside, appear quite ready to contribute this season, when inspiration from anywhere is at a premium.

Everton FC boss David Moyes insist his side will forget their FA Cup romance to get back to basics against Sunderland today
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
Feb 26 2011
SEVEN days ago David Moyes removed his jacket and considered sprinting down the touchline at Stamford Bridge in celebration. But supporters expecting any similarly rare displays of bravado today will be sorely disappointed. For Moyes and his players this week the emphasis has shifted back to the less romantic environs of Premier League combat. And although the Toffees breathed new life into a stale campaign spent largely in the bottom half of the table via the FA Cup last weekend, they can go one further today. Previous uplifting victories over Manchester City in December and Tottenham in January have proved false dawns, so Moyes is anxious to ensure his team do not let standards drop for today’s visit of Sunderland. “There was a great feeling in the dressing room and a great feeling on the train coming back after the game,” says Moyes. “We knew it was a big achievement to win at Chelsea. But we are not daft enough to think we didn’t carry a bit of good fortune at the right time. “Anybody who wins on penalty kicks knows it is unfortunate for the other side. It is a lottery but thankfully it went our way. “I thought the players deserved it, they were brave enough in the game. There has been a good feeling in the place and we will hope to make that stick and continue. “At the end of the day I’ve always said the Premier League is more important than the cup. “I also think that game has gone – we can’t do anything about the Chelsea game now. “We can only do something against Sunderland now. Since Monday we have had our heads on getting ready for Sunderland and we have worked hard.” Everton have lacked consistency this term and their last league outing ended in that dismal 2-0 defeat at Bolton. The Merseysiders are still just three points above the relegation zone but Moyes was impressed by the display at Chelsea and is backing the players to turn the situation around. He added: “I always think it is the players who are responsible for going over the line. “I take responsibility for the bad performances but I want them to take responsibility for the good ones because they are the ones who do it.
“Anybody who was at Chelsea – and there were a lot of Everton supporters there – will have seen the players were really at it. “The players knew Bolton wasn’t the level we play or the level we excepted. “The good thing was they recognised that and did something about it.” History favours Everton this weekend with Sunderland having not won at Goodison in the Premier League since 1996. Yet the Black Cats have enjoyed an encouraging season and, currently seventh, Moyes envies their consistency. He had started the campaign with high hopes after just two defeats in the final 24 games of last season. The Scot even believes the Wearsiders have become a better team since losing Darren Bent in January. He said: “They got off to a great start in the Premier League, got points on the board and pushed on. “They also had a centre-forward in Darren Bent scoring goals and they signed Asamoah Gyan for big money. “Obviously they have lost Bent now but they have made one or two good signings in the window. I think Sunderland look like a club that are gradually growing in stature and that shows in the position they are in the league. “I think they have had a good season up to now. “They have certainly changed, bringing in Stephane Sessegnon and Kieran Richardson might play behind Gyan up front. “But Steve Bruce’s sides are always improving and that has probably made them a better football team as far as passing the ball is concerned and their style.”

Barry Horne: Give Tim Howard credit he deserves
Liverpool Echo
Feb 26 2011
Barry Horne: Give Tim Howard credit he deserves
IT is amazing how quickly things turn around. After the doom and gloom of the Reebok Stadium, which possibly represented a low point of not just this season, but several before it, Everton bounced back and produced a wonderful performance, playing their part in a fantastic match at Stamford Bridge. Great credit must be given to the players for producing a great team performance, one littered with great individual performances. Leighton Baines, obviously, caught most people’s headlines – as he has been doing for some time – but there were solid performances throughout.
I thought Leon Osman, who I am a big admirer of, had his best game for a while, as did Phil Jagielka. Sylvain Distin, meanwhile, continues to push Baines in the Player of the Year stakes, and Marouane Fellaini rightly received many plaudits. For me however, the two men who still fail to get the credit they deserve are Tim Howard, who kept us in the game with a couple of breathtaking saves, and Phil Neville, who continues to set the standards for all young pros to follow, with his utter professionalism. For me, there is no genuine concern of relegation; it is just a matter of how high in the table we can get. And with only three of the remaining 12 games to come against the ‘bigger’ sides, the remaining nine are, or should be, winnable, and a good run between now and the end of the season is possible. Hopefully that run will start today against Sunderland. Having seen Steve Bruce’s side live on a number of occasions this season, I am still a little baffled as to how they find themselves in seventh place in the table. Yes they are hard working, yes they are organised, and yes they have one or two decent players that, on their day, could get into Everton’s side. However, generally when I have seen them, they have not looked a team to be feared by Everton.

Everton FC boss David Moyes glad to be able to call on Mr Motivator Phil Jagielka again
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
Feb 26 2011
DAVID Moyes believes Everton will benefit from being able to call upon the organisational skills of a fully-fit Phil Jagielka once again. The 28-year-old England centre back was restored to the Blues’ starting line-up for last Saturday’s FA Cup win at Chelsea, and showed no signs of rustiness with a heroic display. Jagielka had been side-lined with a groin strain, and has missed further games during this faltering campaign with knee problems. Now Moyes, whose side welcome Sunderland to GoodisonŠPark today,Š is thrilled to have him back. He said: “I think he has been carrying little injuries all season – I don’t think he has been fully fit. “He is a massive player at Everton and is so important for us with the way he goes about his job and the way he conducts himself on the pitch.
“But this year he has been dogged by injuries throughout and has never really shaken them off.
“He has had a thigh strain for about a month, but he is fit now and his performance at Chelsea was immense. “We miss him when we don’t have him and his performance last week was really good.”
With Jagielka now fit and John Heitinga and Sylvain Distin both available for selection, Moyes is happy with his options at the back. “We have got really good defenders. Johnny Heitinga, Sylvain and Phil Jagielka are all top players. That was the reason why we had to let Joseph Yobo go out on loan because I knew it was going to be difficult to accommodate all of them.” Moyes has injury concerns about a string of first team stars ahead of today’s game, with doubts over Tim Cahill, Marouane Fellaini, Victor Anichebe, Louis Saha and Jack Rodwell. Fellaini is the latest addition to the casualty list with an unspecified knock, while Cahill and Anichebe are also doubts. Saha, who has trained this week, is hoping to prove his fitness after two games out with a hamstring strain while Rodwell has been missing for the same amount of time with a groin injury. Moyes said: “We have certainly got a few injuries but I am hoping I can get a few of them to make it.” Meanwhile, former Everton midfielder Andy van der Meyde has announced his retirement from football at the age of 31. Van der Meyde endured a miserable spell at Everton, making just 20 appearances during his four-year spell at Goodison Park. The Dutchman’s time on Merseyside was blighted by injury, and he left the club on a free transfer in the summer of 2009. Van der Meyde started his career with Ajax before spells with FC Twente, Inter Milan, Everton and PSV Eindhoven. The former Holland international, who made 18 appearances for his country, ended his playing career at PSV last season. Van der Meyde confirmed his retirement in a low-key manner saying: “I quit. I do not need to give an interview.”

Beckford double defeats Black Cats
Feb 26 2011
Jermaine Beckford struck twice as Sunderland suffered yet more misery with a 2-0 defeat at Everton. The former Leeds striker found the net in the first half to lift Everton further away from Barclays Premier League relegation danger and send Sunderland home from Goodison Park empty-handed again.The Black Cats, without a league win at the ground since 1996, went close when Tim Howard saved well from Stephane Sessegnon but Beckford's second just before the interval blunted their threat.

Everton FC 2 Sunderland 0 - victory keeps FA Cup feel-good factor intact
by Merseyside Sport, Liverpool Echo
Feb 27 2011
DAVID MOYES' remarkable record against Sunderland was extended at Goodison Park this afternoon, thanks to a Jermaine Beckford double. The Blues boss, who has never been on the losing side against the Black Cats, saw his side ease to a 2-0 victory. Beckford tucked away two first half openings - one from Osman's pass the second from a superb run and pull-back by Mikel Arteta - and was unfortunate not to be celebrating a hat-trick before he came off 18 minutes from time as a precaution. With Tim Cahill not recovered sufficiently from the knock he collected at Stamford Bridge last weekend, David Moyes selected the 4-4-2 formation favoured by so many supporters.
And it produced a goal after only seven minutes - although not before Kieran Richardson had wasted an equally good opportunity for the visitors. Just five minutes had elapsed when Stephane Sessegnon's defence splitting pass gave Richardson a clear run at Howard's goal. The Sunderland striker was slightly to the left of the target, but screwed his shot across the The significance of the miss was underlined two minutes later. Anton Ferdinand, defending the Gwladys Street goalmouth with bright sunshine in his eyes, headed a clearance only as far as Osman who collected and threaded a neat pass down the inside left channel for Beckford to race onto. The striker clipped a shot past Mignolet and the covering Bramble could only help the ball on its way into the net.
Beckford, as he has done whenever he has played this season, had few problems finding himself on the end of opportunities and in the 16th minute he had an even better chance. This time Fellaini headed the ball down inside the penalty area but while the unmarked Beckford swivelled sweetly his connection was scuffed and Mignolet saved easily. Beckford was proving a persistent problem for Sunderland to deal with and another penetrating burst looked like taking him beyond the visitors' back-line until Mensah mopped up at the last moment. But despite Everton's positive forward play they remained indebted to Tim Howard's fingertips for retaining their lead after 26 minutes. Sessegnon was left with far too much time and space on the edge of the Blues penalty area to size up a shot and his fierce drive was heading for the roof of the net until Howard's fingertips touched it onto the underside of the crossbar and down to safety. Seven minutes before the interval, however, the Blues doubled their lead with a moment the Goodison fans have waited a long time for from Mikel Arteta. So often a creative catalyst for the Blues, his goal assisting input this season hs been minimal. But he collected the ball on the left five yards outside the Sunderland penalty area and immediately drive deep into the visitors territory. He dribbled neatly past Mensah, took the ball to the byline then clipped it back left-footed for Beckford, who had peeled intelligently off his marker, to tuck away left-footed. Goodison celebrated, but there was dismay for the home side barely two minutes later when Marouane Fellaini went down holding his ankle. The influential Belgian had received lengthy treatment just a few minutes earlier but this time he was unable to continue and limped off to be replaced by Jack Rodwell. Louis Saha was clearly keen to get in on the scoring act and had a couple of shots charged down, then minutes after the interval Beckford showed how keen he was to complete his hat-trick with a rising left-footed drive which cleared the bar by just a few feet. Everton started the second half brightly and from a Neville throw Saha back-headed into the inrushing Osman's path but the little midfielder miscued an awkwardly bouncing effort wide. In the 51st minute Beckford though he was going to enjoy a gilt edged opportunity for his hat-trick when Mensah shoved him to the ground as he raced clear onto Coleman's penetrating run and pass.
But while a penalty would almost certainly have ensued, Beckford had strayed half-a-yard offside and the free-kick was awarded to Sunderland. Everton's play had been the more purposeful since the break and on the hour mark they were twice denied by blocks from Mignolet. First Saha's shot threaded through a crowd of players and was blocked by the Sunderland keeper, but the ball broke to Coleman and his follow-up drive was also blocked behind for a corner. With 18 minutes remaining, and an FA Cup fifth round tie looming on Tuesday, Beckford was left limping after a heavy challenge and came off to a standing ovation from the home crowd. Seamus Coleman came close to adding a third minutes later when his cross-shot from the right looked to be sneaking inside the near post until Mignolet made a diving stop. With Everton comfortable they produced one of their slickest passing moves of the match to tee up substitute Bilyaletdinov with six minutes remaining but his volley flashed over.
In time added on Leon Osman had a wonderful chance to set the seal on the win, but after dribbling around goalkeeper Mignolet his left-footed shot was headedoff the line by Elmohamady.
EVERTON (4-4-2): Howard, Neville, Distin, Jagielka, Baines; Coleman, Fellaini (Rodwell 41), Arteta, Osman; Beckford (Cahill 72), Saha (Bilyaletdinov 83). Unused substitutes: Mucha, Heitinga, Baxter, Hibbert.
SUNDERLAND (4-4-1-1): Mignolet, Bardsley, Bramble, Ferdinand (Noble 67), Mensah; Elmohamady, Henderson, Muntari (Malbranque 77), Sessegnon; Richardson; Gyan. Unused substitutes: Gordon, Zenden, Riveros, Colback, Knott.
Referee: Stuart Attwell..
Attendance: 37,776.

Everton 2 Sunderland 0
27 Feb 2011 The Sun
JERMAINE BECKFORD'S double lifted Everton away from the danger zone - and into the top half.
The Toffees striker struck both goals before the break as a lacklustre Sunderland side slumped to a fourth straight loss. Everton started the day just three points above the drop zone. But they built on last week's FA Cup shock at Chelsea to climb into 10th.
Goodison boss David Moyes insists summer signing Beckford is finally ready to take the top flight by storm. He said: "When we brought him to the club the idea was we brought him on slowly and we had to put him in a bit too early. "But I always thought if he got his chance and played some games he would get goals and he is proving that. "If you move up the divisions you have to try to compete with better players. "The defenders are better, they are stronger, faster and have better concentration. You have to move up and learn that. "He has got to improve on other aspects of his game but I think his movement in the box is as good as I have seen from a lot of the best. "He can lose defenders and go one way and then the other. He is fantastic at that." Mackems boss Steve Bruce moaned: "Throughout the season you have disappointing games and disappointing moments and there is no doubt this was one of them. "We were second best all afternoon. "Defensively we were very poor and if you don't do the basics you are going to come unstuck." Kieran Richardson wasted a superb chance early on for the visitors when he raced on to Stephane Sessegnon's throughball with the static Everton defence appealing in vain for offside. But Tim Howard pushed Richardson wide and he only managed to drag his effort across goal. Sunderland paid for the miss as Everton claimed the lead on eight minutes, Beckford firing home via a deflection off Titus Bramble. Howard maintained Everton's lead with a fingertip save to divert Sessegnon's fierce drive onto the bar. Everton continued to drive forward, though, Louis Saha skipping around a challenge from Anton Ferdinand in the area only to be denied by a fine Sulley Muntari tackle. Saha had another promising opportunity after being fed by Mikel Arteta but slipped as he shaped to shoot. But the hosts doubled their advantage six minutes before the break after Arteta beat Ferdinand and John Mensah to pull back for Beckford, whose scuffed effort bobbled over. Everton could have had a third soon after the restart when Saha flicked a Phil Neville throw into the danger area but Leon Osman shot wide on the half-volley. Simon Mignolet came to Sunderland's rescue, saving with his feet twice in quick succession from Saha and Seamus Coleman. Osman tried his luck again from the edge of the box after a Bramble header fell into his path but he again shot wide. Coleman brought another good save out of Mignolet with a well-struck first-time shot from the right which looked to be creeping inside the near post. Substitute Diniyar Bilyaletdinov skewed another attempt over the bar as Everton pressed until the end. Osman should have added a third in injury time when he took the ball round Mignolet but Ahmed Elohamady headed off the line.
Everton: Howard, Neville, Jagielka, Distin, Baines, Coleman, Arteta, Fellaini (Rodwell 42), Osman, Beckford (Cahill 73), Saha (Bilyaletdinov 83). Subs not used: Mucha, Hibbert, Heitinga, Baxter. Goals: Beckford 8, 39.
Sunderland: Mignolet, Ferdinand (Noble 67), Mensah, Bramble, Bardsley, Elmohamady, Henderson, Muntari (Malbranque 77), Sessegnon, Richardson, Gyan. Subs not used: Gordon, Zenden, Riveros, Colback, Knott.
Att: 37,776
Ref: Stuart Attwell (Warwickshire).

EVERTON 2 SUNDERLAND 0: PAIN IN THE BECKSIDE
27th February 2011 By Steve Millar
EVERTON 2 -- SUNDERLAND 0 (The Star)
JERMAINE Beckford boosted his goal account on a day when Steve Bruce left Goodison with nothing but painful memories. The ink was hardly dry on the Sunderland boss’s bumper new contract when Beckford got rich quick in a comfortable victory for rejuvenated Everton. Beckford, a free transfer from Leeds, hardly looked a million dollars claiming his first, instead of thanking defender Titus Bramble for knocking his weak effort into the bottom corner. But there was no doubting Beckford’s 39th-minute strike which brought up a personal milestone with his 100th league goal. That earned his boss David Moyes an enviable record, too – he chalked up his 13th game without losing against Sunderland – as Everton remained unbeaten at Goodison in 2011. Bruce headed home armed with his own sorry statistics – four successive league defeats have done nothing to ease his blood pressure. He said: “It’s a good job I signed my contract yesterday. We were nowhere near. We haven’t won here in 16 years and today we never looked like changing that. “The first half was as poor as we’ve played all season in terms of goals given away and the apathy we showed. We pride ourselves on being defensively sound but at the moment we’re not.” It was all so easy for Everton who will not have such a trouble-free 90-minute ride for the rest of the season as Sunderland posed little threat. Moyes, concerned about injuries to Beckford and Marouane Fellaini, said: “I would be surprised if the first wasn’t Jermaine’s goal. I haven’t seen a replay but I would have thought it was his. “The one thing about him is his movement in the box which is as good as anyone’s. He can lose defenders. He’s fantastic at it. The only disappointment is that we didn’t add to the scoreline.” Yet there wasn’t a hint of the goal action to come when Kieran Richardson thought he’d got Sunderland off to a flyer after being slipped through by Asamoah Gyan in the sixth minute. Richardson, though, missed the golden opportunity, dragging his shot wide. Two minutes later, Everton hit the jackpot. Beckford found himself in the clear after good work from Leon Osman. The striker veered to his left and tried to turn the ball in, only for Bramble to do the honours with his knees. Sunderland could have been back on level terms after 29 minutes when Stephane Sessegnon let rip with a fast-rising shot which keeper Tim Howard tipped on to the underside of the bar. And ten minutes later they were made to suffer even more when Beckford found the net after being set up by Mikel Arteta. The Spaniard weaved his magic on the left, leaving John Mensah on his backside and pulled the ball back for Beckford to scuff into the bottom corner. All Everton’s guns were blazing now and Osman half-volleyed a chance wide which would have been a just reward. Then Louis Saha had a pop only for keeper Simon Mignolet to block – a deed he repeated when Seamus Coleman let fly a split second later. Time and time again Everton looked to have cashed in with Coleman close to a third and Osman almost stole in at the death, rounding Mignolet only for Ahmed Elmohamady to head the ball clear off the line.

BECKFORD GOALS BEGINNING TO FLOW
Jermaine Beckford
Sunday February 27,2011 (The Express)
Everton boss David Moyes expects Jermaine Beckford to continue improving after his double strike against Sunderland. Beckford struck twice in the first half to ease the Toffees into mid-table in the Barclays Premier League with a 2-0 success at Goodison Park. Beckford, 27, has had a difficult first season in the top flight after moving from Leeds last summer but now has eight goals for the campaign and appears to be finding his feet. Moyes said: "When we brought him to the club the idea was we brought him on slowly and we had to put him in a bit too early. But I always thought if he got his chance and played some games he would get goals and he is proving that." He added: "If you move up the divisions you have to try to compete with better players. The defenders are better, they are stronger, faster and have better concentration. You have to move up and learn that. "It has been a big step up for him - it is for any player to jump up two divisions - and it was going to take time. "He has got to improve on other aspects of his game but I think his movement in the box is as good as I have seen from a lot of the best. He can lose defenders and go one way and then the other. He is fantastic at that." Everton's win was only their second in six league outings but built on last week's memorable FA Cup fourth-round replay success at Chelsea. Sunderland were competitive throughout the first half and almost cancelled out Beckford's opener when Tim Howard tipped a thunderous Stephane Sessegnon drive onto the bar. But the second goal blunted the visitors' attack and the Black Cats surrendered to a fourth successive defeat that could have been more emphatic. Moyes said: "I thought we did a good job, we were in control for most periods. I'm maybe a little disappointed we didn't add to our tally. "I thought we might have scored more goals but overall we won 2-0 and I've not been able to say that too often in the Premier League this season. Thankfully we got those important points."

EVERTON 2 SUNDERLAND 0: BECK TO THE FUTURE
Jermaine Beckford’s brace sank Sunderland and took his tally to five goals in eight games
Sunday February 27,2011 (The Express)
By Richard Jolly at Goodison Park
EVERTON 2 -- SUNDERLAND 0
LAST summer Jermaine Beckford was given the chance to follow in the footsteps of Everton legends. He was offered the No. 9 shirt made famous by Dixie Dean, Tommy Lawton, Joe Royle and Graeme Sharp.He turned it down. And over the subsequent months, it seemed one of the smartest moves he had ever made. Comparisons would have been unflattering. The striker’s roots in non-league were too obvious, his background in League One too evident. He would have looked an imposter in an iconic shirt. How times change. Beckford’s brace sank Sunderland, took his tally to five goals in eight games and earned him a standing ovation. The journey from non-league to Premier League has been a bumpy ride but, once of Wealdstone and recently of Leeds, he is starting to make an impact for Everton. His No. 16 is looking increasingly sweet for David Moyes. “It’s what he does, he gets goals,” said the Everton boss. “It’s been a big step up for him to jump two divisions. It’s going to take time and he has to improve other parts of his game but his movement in the box is as good as I’ve seen from a lot of the best. He’s fantastic at it.” Even at 27, Beckford is not the finished article but he has the pace and predatory instincts to pose plenty of problems. He was too quick for Sunderland and took him only seven minutes to strike. Leon Osman guided his pass through the Sunderland defence for the advancing Beckford. His shot beat Simon Mignolet before bouncing in off the shins of Titus Bramble. Another moment to forget for Bramble, left looking clumsy. Another goal for Beckford, left celebrating. But if one Sunderland centreback was embarrassed for Everton’s first goal, the other was shown up for the second. Mikel Arteta sped past the ponderous John Mensah to cut his cross back to the edge of the six-yard box.Beckford skipped round Bramble but scuffed his finish and Moyes was quick to point out: “There’s been a lot of good goalscorers who don’t always kick the ball cleanly.“But they get the ball in the net and that’s the secret to it.” Before a groin problem forced Beckford’s withdrawal, he could have had a hat-trick, lashing a shot over the bar. The influential Osman also came close with a hooked half-volley and an injury-time shot which Ahmed Elmohamady cleared off the line. It was probably the best piece of Sunderland defending all afternoon. “The two goals were poor goals,” said boss Steve Bruce. “The first half in particular was possibly as poor as we’ve played all season. “It wasn’t good enough. We were second best all afternoon.” Sunderland’s best hope was Benin international Stephane Sessegnon who unleashed a ferocious shot which had keeper Tim Howard flying to touch on to the bar. After that, Sunderland hardly threatened.

Everton 2-0 Sunderland: Sunday Mirror match report
27/02/11 By Derick Allsop
Jermaine Beckford of Everton attempts to move forward with the ball
Beckford presented a compelling case in his on-going struggle to convince sceptical Everton supporters that he is no Premier League fraud. The striker recruited from Leeds’ League One promotion side will doubtless wish to claim both the goals that eased Everton’s relegation discomfort and put another dent in Sunderland’s European aspirations. Whether or not the football ­powers-that-be rule the first an own goal by Sunderland’s accident-prone captain, Titus Bramble, Beckford’s influence on the match was ­unquestionable. His positioning for both goals ­revealed a predator’s instinct and his all-round contribution brought zest and menace to Everton’s attack. He now has, at the very least, 100 league goals and – perhaps more ­importantly – the confidence of his manager and team-mates. The player hobbled off to a ­standing ovation 17 minutes from the end. With Mikel Arteta looking more like the creative director Everton have missed, manager David Moyes was able to savour ­another good day on the touchline. He said: “We’ve done a good job. We were in control for most periods and the only disappointment is we didn’t add to our goals. “Jermaine has shown what he does. It’s a big step up for him, two ­divisions, and for us to take a chance on him. But his movement in the box is as good as any I’ve seen. “You don’t always need to get the best contact to score and maybe that’s the secret. I’ve not seen a re-run of the first goal but I’d be ­surprised if it’s not his. “Mikel did well to set up the second and played well. We’re trying to build a bit of a run and we’ve got a chance now to keep it going.” Sunderland were reduced to a damage limitation exercise and to that end they ensured a measure of satisfaction. But they offered only a feeble, token gesture of retaliation in the second half – much to the dismay of a manager who has committed ­himself long-term to the club. Those two first-half goals were enough to deflate Sunderland and condemn them to their customary defeat on this ground. They still seek a second Premier League win here and, after Stephane Sessegnon struck the bar, rarely looked capable of defying history. Bruce conceded as much and, with a touch of dark humour, said: “It’s a good job I signed my new contract yesterday. “The first half was as poor as we’ve been this season because of the goals we gave away and the apathy we showed. We pride ourselves in our defending, but not today. “We were second best all ­afternoon.” Everton, basking in the afterglow of their FA Cup success at Chelsea the previous week, began with the swagger of a team confidently anticipating the usual home pickings against Sunderland. Yet within five minutes their mood and the dynamic of the contest should have changed. Kieran Richardson, lately reinvented as a goalscoring support striker, appeared beyond Everton’s defence only to drag the ball wide of the far post. They returned to the script within three minutes, Everton taking the lead and Sunderland cursing their luck.Beckford’s intelligent run deserved Leon Osman’s throughball, but the striker’s subsequent shot required the unwitting intervention of Bramble to direct it in to the corner of the net.Beckford was in the right place at the right time once more to double Everton’s advantage.Arteta muscled off the challenge of Anton Ferdinand, took the ball to the line and pulled it back for ­Beckford, with another scuffed ­contact, to convert and undeniably complete a century of league goals.

Beckford puts Moyes in rarefied company
Everton 2 Sunderland 0: Everton manager reaches new milestone thanks to striker's first-half double
By Jon Culley at Goodison Park
Sunday, 27 February 2011 (The Independent)
David Moyes joined the company of Sir Alex Ferguson, Arsène Wenger and Harry Redknapp by passing the milestone of 500 Premier League points won, but with every season you wonder how much longer he can content himself merely to be mentioned in the same breath as those heavyweights of his profession. His record at Everton is one of which he can rightly be proud, given their financial disadvantages, but while he is still, at 47, relatively young there must surely come a time when a good reputation and three manager of the year awards is not enough. Given that Everton were three points above the relegation places at three o'clock yesterday, should he achieve the ambition he regards as still possible this season – that of qualifying for Europe for the fifth time – he might win another. This at least was a step in the right direction. Everton have tended to follow good performances with bad ones in a frustrating season but this time they built on the unexpected FA Cup victory over Chelsea with a solidly routine victory, capped by two Jermaine Beckford goals. They meet Reading in the Cup on Tuesday evening, face Newcastle in the League next Saturday, then have three home matches in a row, all winnable. Their movement up the table could be rapid. "We have not had too many back-to-back wins this season but today was a good start and we have a chance on Tuesday to keep it going," Moyes said. Only a month ago Sunderland looked much more likely contenders for a Europa League place, revealing the potential that must have helped win Steve Bruce the long-term contract extension he signed this week. Yet since the beginning of February that assessment has had to be revised on account of the revelation of defensive vulnerability, which took Bruce by surprise when his side shipped four goals at home to Chelsea but has persisted in a run of four straight defeats. Bruce had questions to ask over both yesterday's goals after Everton effectively wrapped up the points in the first 39 minutes. The first came after only eight, when Leon Osman was allowed all too easily to thread a pass through that presented Beckford, in the inside left channel, with a clear sight of Simon Mignolet's goal. His finish was not exactly clinical and needed the foot of defender Titus Bramble to find its intended target but, needing one to reach 100 career League goals, the former Leeds striker celebrated anyway. Beckford could claim the second with no argument. This time there was individual rather than collective responsibility after right-back Anton Ferdinand allowed himself to be outwitted, even out-muscled by Mikel Arteta along the Everton left. The Spaniard then showed John Mensah a clean pair of heels before crossing from the byline. Beckford was ready to receive the pass and while his touch again left something to be desired it was strong enough to send the ball wide of Mignolet and leave Sunderland with a steeply uphill task. Until the second goal, Bruce's side had not looked too shabby, going forward at least. In the sixth minute, Kieran Richardson probably should have scored the game's first goal, but dragged his shot wide after Asamoah Gyan sent him clear on Sunderland's first meaningful attack. At 1-0, moreover, it took a brilliant save by Tim Howard, fingertipping Stéphane Sessègnon's powerful, rising drive on to his crossbar, to keep the scores level. But thereafter, Sunderland offered very little. "In the first half, we were as poor as we have been all season," Bruce said. "It's a good job I signed my contract yesterday! "We made a fist of it in the second half but in truth we were second best. I believe we have not won here in 16 years and it never looked like that was going to change. They were poor goals to concede and if you defend like that in the Premier League you are going to get beat."
Attendance: 37,776
Referee: Stuart Attwell
Man of the match: Coleman
Match rating: 6/10

Ex-Everton FC star Stuart McCall pays tribute to Dean Richards, who died aged 36
Liverpool Echo Feb 28 2011
FORMER Bradford manager Stuart McCall has described the death of Dean Richards as an “absolute tragedy”. It was announced on Saturday that the former Tottenham, Wolves and Bradford defender had died after a long-term illness at the age of 36. After watching his Motherwell side beat Celtic 2-0 at home in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League, ex-Everton star McCall revealed his sadness at hearing about the death of Bradford-born Richards. “It is an absolute tragedy,” McCall said.“I got few texts yesterday telling me about the sad news of Dean’s death through illness.“I didn’t realise he had a long-standing illness and it came as a great shock. “I had Dean in doing a little bit of coaching at Bradford a few years ago. “He was a first-class professional as a player but a fantastic guy off the park as well and I was really sad to hear the news. He will be a great miss.” Richards started his career at Bradford before moving to Wolves in 1995, making 145 appearances in a four-year spell and becoming a crowd favourite. He subsequently moved on to Southampton, who were then in the top flight, where he spent two years before switching to White Hart Lane for £8.1million, despite the player not having earned any senior international caps for England. Richards, who played four times at under-21 level, spent four years in north London although his time there was dogged by injury.
He made almost 350 appearances in a career spanning 13 years before being forced to retire from the game at the age of 30 in 2005 when he was suffering from dizzy spells and headaches, an illness which was initially diagnosed as an inner ear infection. Wolves announced yesterday they were planning a tribute to Richards ahead of next Sunday’s game with Spurs at Molineux.

David Moyes says Jermaine Beckford can carry on improving
by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Echo
Feb 28 2011
EVERTON boss David Moyes expects Jermaine Beckford to continue improving after his double strike against Sunderland on Saturday afternoon.Beckford struck twice in the first half to ease the Toffees into mid-table in the Barclays Premier League with a 2-0 success at Goodison Park. Beckford, 27, has had a difficult first season in the top flight after moving from Leeds last summer but now has eight goals for the campaign and appears to be finding his feet. Moyes said: “When we brought him to the club the idea was we brought him on slowly and we had to put him in a bit too early. “But I always thought if he got his chance and played some games he would get goals and he is proving that.“If you move up the divisions you have to try to compete with better players. “The defenders are better, they are stronger, faster and have better concentration. You have to move up and learn that. “It has been a big step up for him – it is for any player to jump up two divisions – and it was going to take time. “He has got to improve on other aspects of his game but I think his movement in the box is as good as I have seen from a lot of the best. “He can lose defenders and go one way and then the other. He is fantastic at that.” Everton’s win was only their second in six league outings but built on last week’s memorable FA Cup fourth-round replay success at Chelsea. Sunderland were competitive throughout the first half and almost cancelled out Beckford’s opener when Tim Howard tipped a thunderous Stephane Sessegnon drive onto the bar. But the second goal blunted the visitors’ attack and the Black Cats surrendered to a fourth successive defeat that could have been more emphatic. Moyes said: “I thought we did a good job, we were in control for most periods.
“I’m maybe a little disappointed we didn’t add to our tally. “I thought we might have scored more goals but overall we won 2-0 and I’ve not been able to say that too often in the Premier League this season. “Thankfully we got those important points.” The result knocked Sunderland down to eighth and was another blow to their hopes of pushing for a place in Europe. “We seem to save our worst for Everton for some reason,” said manager Steve Bruce, whose side have not won at Goodison Park since 1996. Throughout the season you have disappointing games and disappointing moments and there is no doubt this was one of them. “We were second best all afternoon. “Defensively we were very poor and if you don’t do the basics you are going to come unstuck. “I didn’t see them do much but if you get 2-0 up it’s game over, usually, in the Premier League. “We have to get that resilience and determination that we had three or four weeks ago, to keep a clean sheet, back. “That is why we are in the position we are – because defensively we didn’t give much away. We were difficult to beat but that is the opposite of what we have seen today. “We have given away poor goals and you can count on one hand how many people really played well. “When you come away to somewhere like Everton you have to produce a better perfor-mance.”

Dave Prentice: Sunderland provide the perfect opposition for Everton FC
by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
Feb 28 2011
SUNDERLAND and Goodison Park don’t get on. Which is a little like saying Spider-Man and the Green Goblin had issues. Everton could hardly have hoped for more amenable opponents than the Wearsiders as they went Bridge-building after last week’s FA Cup heroics. Whether it was a 7-1 slaying a couple of seasons ago, a 5-0 flaying after Sunderland had just hit the heady heights of third in the Premier League or the cruel evening when a Goodison Park tannoy announcer read out a final score from Highfield Road of Coventry 2 Bristol City 1 – a result that would have confirmed Sunderland’s escape from relegation – the Wearsiders have hated their trips to the Blue half of Merseyside. (Coventry had kicked off late by the way, and a huge army of Sunderland supporters celebrated wildly while their two rivals for the drop were actually playing out a tame 2-2 draw. I’ve never found out whether that was an innocent tannoy slip-up or the cruellest Goodison joke since Glenn Keeley pulled on a royal blue jersey). Sunderland even scored four goals in one of the most celebrated FA Cup ties ever staged at Goodison, on a night when they cancelled out Dixie Dean completely.Unfortunately Dean’s team-mates scored six!The curse of Goodison was in evidence again on Saturday.Kieran Richardson had already screwed one excellent opening wide when a press box regular with affiliations more blue than striped, remarked: “Ferdinand and Bramble with the sun in their eyes? Beckford’s got to fancy his chances.”It drew a spiky response from the Sunderland press officer.“Titus has actually been our best player this season,” he snapped. Cue a poor headed clearance from Ferdinand, a clever pass from Leon Osman and a finish from Jermaine Beckford helped into his own net by Bramble. You could call it the curse of Goodison. I’d prefer to give the credit to Osman’s speed of thought and quality of passing, and Beckford’s intelligent movement and smart finish. Those qualities were in evidence throughout a good afternoon for the Blues – and what was most reassuring was that they scored twice and carved out countless other opportunities, without Leighton Baines having to pull on his Superman shirt once. In front of watching England coach Franco Baldini, Baines didn’t need to add to his remarkable tally of assists this season.
But another man curiously tipped for England in the past, Mikel Arteta, finally did. Arteta’s form has been a source of frustration for all Evertonians this season. But in the 37th minute he finally did what Blues fans had once come to regard as a near weekly occurrence. He picked up the ball five yards from the Sunderland penalty area, he drove instantly deep into the soft underbelly of the visiting defence, produced that once familiar step over, dribbled confidently past John Mensah then cut back a perfect cross for Beckford to scuff in his second goal of the day. Arteta looked like he enjoyed the moment as much as the goalscorer. The Spaniard’s class has never been questioned, but bit by bit Beckford is beginning to win over the doubters too. He still missed as many chances as he converted – a miscued volley in the first half was perhaps more straightforward than either of the opportunities he took – but the 27-year-old has the amazing knack of creating opportunities for himself whatever the opposition. There are other elements of his game which require significant improvement, and he also has to cope with the phenomenon that is Tim Cahill. David Moyes admitted afterwards: “I’ve said before if I had my way I’d play 4-4-2. “But we’ve found we’ve got a player who plays in a position where he scores goals and gives us something else. “That’s Tim Cahill. So a lot of the team selections over the season have been to do with Tim.” But Beckford looks like he can cope with everything that is being thrown at him. A tally of eight goals in 26 appearances this season looks respectable. But that doesn’t take into account how many of those appearances have been as a substitute. Beckford’s actual playing time works out at around a goal every 100 minutes of action, which is Gerd Muller standard. Sadly his latest success looks like being stalled by a groin injury – and with Marouane Fellaini and Tim Cahill also carrying knocks and Louis Saha’s hamstrings an almost eternal cause for concern, Everton’s latest revival could be built on flimsy foundations.
But with a winnable cup tie tomorrow, and a run of Premier League fixtures containing Newcastle, Birmingham, Fulham, Villa, Wolves and Blackburn coming up, there’s precious little for Everton to fear either. And Sunderland? I’m afraid Everton have already played them twice this season.
But there’s always next season’s guaranteed three points.

Everton FC 2 Sunderland 0: Blues in comfort zone as they sweep aside Mackems
Greg O'Keeffe Liverpool Echo
Feb 28 2011
THERE was a time, not so long ago, when routine victories over teams like Sunderland at Goodison Park were habitual. Everton have qualified for Europe four times under David Moyes, and the success of each of those seasons was largely based on reliability and consistency as beating the beatable sides at home created a platform to snap at the heels of the top five This season, perhaps more than any other in the last nine years, the club headed into their Premier League campaign believing they could qualify for the Champions League, even with a surprise candidacy from Alex Ferguson as title dark horses ringing in their ears. Somewhere along the way though, the basics have been forgotten. Too many teams with inferior personnel to the Blues have visited Goodison and left with something. Wolves, Newcastle, West Brom, Wigan, West Ham, and Bolton – that nauseating list gets no more palatable. Those 18 dropped points have severely derailed Everton's ambitions so far. Victory in all of them would admittedly have been a tall order, there are no easy games in this division anymore, but had they beaten all of those beatable teams, Everton would sit fourth in the league just a solitary point behind third placed Manchester City. It’s vital that this 2-0 win over Sunderland marks the return of those reasonably comfortable afternoons at Goodison, when Everton do just enough to seal victory and then show the necessary defensive resilience to slam the door shut. It’s equally vital that Mikel Arteta treats this game as a watershed. It has been painful at times watching the supremely gifted Spaniard this season. Mikel Arteta has sparkled so often in royal blue that watching him struggle, desperately short on form as he fails to beat the first man from corner kicks or find the right pass has felt oddly unnatural. Against Steve Bruce’s evolving side, Arteta showed that he has not been permanently damaged by those difficult months. The Best Little Spaniard Evertonians know created the Toffees second goal all by himself, and played with something closer to his natural grace and élan. Early goals always help too, and for that advantage on Saturday Everton were granted a little fortune. Just seven minutes had elapsed when Leon Osman, who enjoyed a fine afternoon, tried to play in fit-again Louis Saha, who appeared to sense an onrushing Jermaine Beckford and allowed the ball to travel past him to the former Leeds United man. Beckford’s shot was deflected past Simon Mignolet by the luckless Titus Bramble, and that talk of Everton having some sort of curse over the Black Cats seemed valid. Sunderland had their moments early in the game too, as an open pattern developed. Jordan Henderson curled a tidy cross into the area but found no red and white shirts there to meet it, and long balls were pumped towards Asamoah Gyan in an attempt to catch Everton on the break. There were encouraging signs for the home side that Beckford and Saha have the makings of effective partnership. Beckford even started challenging for, and winning, headers for a change, while his pace will continue to be a useful outlet. But before the 27-year-old could seal his brace, Tim Howard, the hero of Stamford Bridge, had to make his usual decisive contribution; this time a stunning finger tip save to push Stephane Sessengnon’s goal-bound strike onto the bar on half an hour. Then Saha slipped when played in for glorious chance by Arteta, but otherwise the Frenchman was showing no signs of his injury and looked threatening. Cue Arteta’s moment of magic. The Basque outstripped a blundering Anton Ferdinand and drew two Sunderland defenders in the area before playing a cute angled pass back for Beckford who scuffed home his second of the afternoon. There were more chances for the Blues. Coleman was wasteful after he was put through by Saha, and substitute Bilyaletdinov’s spectacular volley sailed over after good work from the effervescent Osman and Leighton Baines Further pluses, unless you’re John Heitinga’s anger management counsellor, could be found in Phil Jagielka’s continued revival of his best form; making several typical key blocks and interceptions. Annoyingly Leon Osman was denied the goal his performance deserved when his shot, after beating Sunderland’s right-back and goalkeeper, was headed off the line by El Mohamady. The result had long since been sealed though, and with most of the spark gone from the game, four minutes of added time was somewhat masochistic. Nevertheless, it was an essential result. It would have been no use beating Chelsea in the FA Cup if Everton had gone on to stumble against the Weirsiders. This season remains salvageable, even if there is no more room for slip-ups. The gulf in class on Saturday suggested that the seven points between Everton and Sunderland can be clawed back, then it’s rivals Liverpool who stand in the way. But as the annual Everton game of post January catch-up begins in earnest, further afternoons like this are required before anybody gets too carried away. “I hope I and the players can change people's minds about this team. We need to only concentrate on the next game, but what has happened in the past eight days or so hopefully has given everyone a boost.” DAVID MOYES finds renewed cause for optimism. “It’s a good job I signed that new contract yesterday.” STEVE BRUCE sees the funny side of a frustrating afternoon.
EVERTON (4-4-2): Howard, Neville (Capt), Distin, Jagielka, Baines, Fellaini (Rodwell, 42) Osman, Arteta, Coleman, Beckford (Cahill, 73) Saha (Bilyaletdinov, 83). Subs not used: Mucha, Heitinga, Hibbert, Baxter.
SUNDERLAND (4-5-1): Mignolet, Ferdinand (Noble, 67) Bramble (Capt), Mensah, Bardsley, El Mahamady, Henderson, Muntari (Malbranque 78,) Sessengnon, Richardson, Gyan, Subs not used: Gordon, Zenden, Riveros, Colback, Knott.
GOALS: Beckford (7, 39)
REFEREE: Stuart Atwell
ATTENDANCE: 37,776

Mikel Arteta is Everton FC’s ‘Andres Iniesta’ says David Moyes
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
Feb 28 2011
DAVID MOYES today hailed Mikel Arteta’s return to form and insisted the Spaniard can be Everton’s answer to Barcelona star Andres Iniesta. The Everton boss admitted he has been concerned with the 28-year-old’s below-par displays this season, especially after the effort it took to persuade Arteta to sign a lucrative five-year deal last summer. But the Basque was much improved at Goodison on Saturday, and created Everton’s second goal of a 2-0 victory over Sunderland, prompting Moyes to compare his playmaker to the 2010 FIFA Ballon d’Or runner-up Iniesta.“I thought he did well (against Sunderland). "He made the second goal with a bit more like what we’ve seen from him." I thought he was more in the thick of things today, competitive as well, winning a few things in the middle of midfield.“People said they think he’s played safe. I don’t. I think he’s kept the ball for us. "People talk about Iniesta with 95 passes and something like 94 were accurate. "You have to keep the ball and Mikel can keep the ball for us. He’s very comfortable on it.”Moyes believes Arteta may have tried to take too much responsibility for dictating Everton’s play during this inconsistent campaign.He said: “Maybe he felt he’s had to be the one who makes us play, get on it, get the ball for us, make us pass, because we’ve tried to improve our play. And maybe in the end he’s taken too much responsibility on.“In turn his form has dipped. We’ve probably said to him recently ‘go on, just get on with the game and in time your form will come back.’ And as I said there are signs that it is.”The Everton manager insisted that his team tend to rely on Arteta’s powers of inspiration, but he has urged the Basque to get forward more often in similar fashion to how he created Jermaine Beckford’s second goal against the Black Cats.He said: “Mikel’s form’s been a worry because we swam the channel to try and keep him last summer. "I wanted the chairman to keep him because I thought he was an integral part of the team so there was a lot riding on it – keeping Mikel, Marouane Fellaini and having Jack Rodwell.“I felt as if we had midfield players who were amongst the best in the division and I still think that.“But obviously Mikel’s form has not been as good as we thought it would be. I think there have been glimmers and signs in the last few weeks that he’s gaining a little bit of confidenceHe said: “We don’t have that craft so we rely on him to make some key passes and have some key moments and he had a few today.“I’ve asked him to get forward.“He will tell you that, because he can score as well. He’s got the ability to score.“We’ve asked him to try and get forward, get in the box and get on the edge and have a shot, and get into positions where he feels he can score a goal and he’s looked more like himself.”Moyes stressed he was taking the win over Sunderland, that moved his side up to 13th in the table, in his stride ahead of Tuesday’s FA Cup last 16 clash with Reading, then Saturday’s visit to Newcastle.He said: “I’m pleased about today but obviously I’m a manager who wants to be up near the top.“I can smile a little bit but I’m suddenly thinking about Tuesday and thinking about next week and the next result because that’s what we’ve got to do.“We were down last week.“But the players were down too and their response was the biggest thing.“Today they showed they were tough enough and did well enough to win the game against a team which was sixth or seventh in the league.“So it was no mean feat.”

Everton FC manager David Moyes hails ‘incredible’ Marouane Fellaini for playing through the pain barrier
by Philip Kirkbride, Liverpool Daily Post
Feb 28 2011
Marouane Fellaini applauds the fans after coming off the pitchDAVID MOYES has labelled Marouane Fellaini as “incredible” for constantly being ready to play through the pain barrier for Everton. The Everton manager is keeping his fingers crossed the Belgian international shakes off injury in time to face Reading in the FA Cup tomorrow night. Fellaini was replaced by Jack Rodwell just before half-time in Saturday’s 2-0 win over Sunderland with an ankle knock and Moyes is unsure if he will be able to call on his midfielder for the fifth round tie. The Goodison Park manager was not expecting to be able to select Fellaini for the fixture at home to the Black Cats after the £15million man originally sustained the injury in last weekend’s heroic Cup win against Chelsea. And though Fellaini’s knock flared up again this weekend, Moyes says Everton’s record signing has an unparalleled appetite to play every single game for the club and could not rule out the Belgian being passed fit. “He’s one of the best I’ve known for wanting to play and get back playing as quick as he can,” said Moyes, whose side moved up to 10th in the table following Saturday’s victory. “I hope he’ll be okay for Tuesday. He was a doubt before the game with an ankle injury which he picked up at Chelsea . We didn’t think he would make the game. “He’s injured his ankle. Not the one he was operated on. I didn’t think he was going to play today. “In my head I had ruled him out but he’s an incredible lad who tries to get back fit. “He’s desperate to play and he wanted to play, but I think he’s jarred it again. I’m hoping it’s not bad but I couldn’t say accurately right now.” Moyes is having to nurse a number of key players with injuries at present and admits anymore of his squad on the medical table could derail their recent resurgence. Jermaine Beckford is amongst those troubled, carrying a groin strain, but managed to be the two-goal hero on Saturday, drawing praise from his manager who labelled the former Leeds United man’s movement as good as it gets. “He gets goals,” said Moyes. “It’s been a big step up for him. To jump two divisions for any player – and for us to take a chance on him as well to do that. “It’s going to take time for him to understand other parts. “He’s got to improve other aspects of his game but one thing’s for sure, I think his movement in the box is as good as I’ve seen from a lot of the best. “His movement in the box is brilliant, if you can lose defenders, go one way then the next, he’s fantastic at it. “I was taking Louis Saha off after near enough five minutes because he came in after the warm up with his other hamstring feeling tight. “We didn’t think he’d make it but he actually got better as he went on and looked as if he ran it off a bit more. “But we had Beckford with an injury and Tim Cahill has a problem with his foot just now. “We can’t afford many more.”

Everton FC manager David Moyes plays up Jack Rodwell’s England chances
by Philip Kirkbride, Liverpool Daily Post
Feb 28 2011
Jack Rodwell 300
EVERTON manager David Moyes believes Jack Rodwell has done his international chances no harm.The Birkdale-born midfielder was a late first-half replacement for the injured Marouane Fellaini in Saturday’s 2-0 win over Sunderland and impressed his manager.But with England general manager Franco Baldini in the stands at Goodison Park, Moyes reckons the Italian may have sent back positive reports to Fabio Capello about the Under-21 international.“I thought Jack Rodwell when he came on, except for one misplaced pass, looked a good player,” said Moyes.“He was the one who caught my eye.“Although Baldini will have been looking at Leighton Baines and Phil Jagielka and one or two others as well.”“I thought we did a good job on Saturday and were in control for most periods.“I actually thought the opening 15-20 minutes Sunderland had started a bit better and we needed the goal. Then Tim Howard made a great save, but I think overall I was disappointed that we didn’t add to it the way we had opportunities to maybe score a couple more goals.“We’re trying to build on the win now. We’ve not really had it this season. We’ve got a chance this week to try and keep it running if we can.”I’m pleased about today but obviously I’m a manager who wants to be up near the top. I can smile a little bit but I’m suddenly thinking about Tuesday and thinking about next week and the next result because that’s what we’ve got to do.“We were down after Bolton. But the players were down too and their response was the biggest thing. “They showed they were tough enough and did well enough to win the game against a team which was sixth or seventh in the league.“So it was no mean feat.” To the pleasure of many at Goodison Park on Saturday, Moyes put Everton in a 4-4-2 formation. “I went 4-4-2 because Tim wasn’t ready, but I’ve said before if I had my way I think that’s the way I’d play,” explained Moyes. “But we’ve found that we’ve got a player who plays in a position and scores goals and gives us something else. That was Tim Cahill. “So a lot of the team selections over the season have been to do with Tim. “But I thought after five or 10 minutes I was going to have to go back to that because I didn’t have many options “. I was looking at maybe Jack coming on and playing behind which he’s done very well recently as well.”

Everton 2 Sunderland 0: Ian Doyle on how a routine victory is a relief for the Blues
by Philip Kirkbride, Liverpool Daily Post
Feb 28 2011
After seeing off Chelsea in the FA Cup last weekend, Everton triumphed for the second consecutive game but required none of the dramatic salvation to defeat Sunderland.Saturday's 2-0 victory was indebted to the penalty shoot-out win over the Stamford Bridge side as David Moyes' men played with the confidence garnered from their capital gain and in an assured manner not seen often enough by the home fans this season.But this fixture was no way as demanding and with 120 minutes unable to part the sides last weekend, Everton needed just 45 to wrap up the three points this time thanks to a Jermaine Beckford double against a fragile looking opposition.For Everton, a fifth home win of an inconsistent campaign moves them into the top half of the table and hopefully onto another final flourish to claw back some credit from a frustrating period of underachieving.Life at Goodison Park is slowly starting to offer greater comfort than it was before the turn of the year and overlooking the disappointing display against West Ham United, that Everton are unbeaten at home in 2011 shows promise.An improving Beckford grabs the headlines after his close range finishes and deserves to take a slice of the plaudits given he has now notched six goals in his debut Premier League year.There still remains major room for improvement – the odd wayward volley and miscontrol tells of his inconsistency – but for now the former Leeds United man should rightly be content progression is being made.The always welcome sight of Moyes pairing Beckford with Louis Saha certainly played its role in Everton's success here, but it was the first half performance of Leon Osman which really gave Sunderland the jitters.Black Cats' right-back Anton Ferdinand was charged with marshaling Osman but barely caught sight of the home side's chief tormentor during the opening half.Rarely anywhere near the touchline, Osman's movement in behind Sunderland's packed midfield to supplement the work of the front two – starting a Premier League game together for only the second time – was the catalyst for Everton and his roaming role helped give Moyes' men the lead. Fittingly it was Ferdinand's loose header which landed at the feet of Osman before he threaded the ball into the area for the on-rushing Beckford to slot past Simon Mignolet. Although the retreating Titus Bramble re-directed the shot, Beckford's effort appeared to be heading home and handing the defender another own goal to his inglorious catalogue would be cruel. The opening goal after eight minutes was worse still for Sunderland given just moments before Kieran Richardson squandered a chance to put them ahead.
Stephane Sessegnon's pass split the defence and though clean through down the left channel, Richardson dragged his effort wide. Sessegnon took it upon himself to finally test Tim Howard in the Everton goal and his sweetly struck drive from the edge of the area brought a finger tip save from the American, forcing the ball onto the underside of the bar. It would be as excited as the travelling fans would get all afternoon and a brief act of quality their side would never reach again. Afterwards, Sunderland manager Steve Bruce spoke frankly of how poor his players were and joked he may not have been offered the contract extension he signed last week if such a performance had come seven days earlier. Of course he was not laughing when Everton extended their lead on 39 minutes but must have admired the approach play. In a season of mediocrity on his part, Mikel Arteta offered something special to lay on the assist for Beckford's second. Controlling Leighton Baines' long ball up field with his chest, Arteta turned into the area, gliding beyond John Mensah and pulled the ball back from the touchline for a sharp Beckford to score. The overwhelming feeling at this point was Sunderland were finished for the day and nothing in the remaining 50 minutes ever threatened to prove that wrong. Everton's dominance, albeit in a lower gear, continued into the second half and was deserving of a third goal. Saha and Seamus Coleman would be denied in quick succession by Mignolet while Osman struck a pair of volleys marginally wide. His crusade to cap an excellent performance off with a goal would go mighty close in the dying seconds of the game as a deft display of footwork manoeuvred him into the area, then round the stricken Sunderland goalkeeper before his effort was headed off the line. A third goal would materialse but another no frills performance would suit just fine against Reading tomorrow night.

Everton 2 Sunderland 0
Feb 28 2011 Sunderland Echo
SUNDERLAND fully deserved defeat today after one of their poorest performances of the season led to their fourth defeat in a row. Once again poor defending undermined the Black Cats hopes of taking anything from a game. But had the Wearsiders been able to make the most of two great first-half openings they might have had half a chance. In just the seventh minute of the game, Asamoah Gyan played through Kieran Richardson into a one-on-one with Everton keeper Tim Howard but the Sunderland midfielder made a hash of his effort. Everton capitalised on that a minute later when a poor defensive header from stand-in right-back Anton Ferdinand allowed striker Jermaine Beckford to fire a close range shot in off the knee of Titus Bramble. Sunderland almost got back on level terms just before the half-hour when Gyan and Sulley Muntari set up Stephane Sessegnon and the African’s fierce shot was goal-bound until it was finger-tipped onto the crossbar by Tim Howard.
Once again, Everton made Sunderland pay. Ferdinand produced a poor defensive header again and this time it was Mikel Arteta who benefited, crossing from the left for Beckford to scuff home the 100th league goal of his career. Everton were deserving of their 2-0 lead at the break but if Sunderland were disappointing in the first-half they were even worse in the second and barely featured as an attacking force. The home team remained on top and could easily have added to their two goal advantage to inflict a worse result. It was hardly the way for Sunderland manager Steve Bruce to celebrate the signing of an extended contract. And it doesn’t look like getting better soon – a trip to the Emirates to take on Arsenal, the fixture awaiting them next week.

Everton 2 Sunderland 0: Chris Young’s verdictBy Chris Young
Mon Feb 28 2011 Sunderland Echo
NEW faces were at right-back and between the sticks for Sunderland’s weekend trip to their bogey ground. If the options were available to him, Steve Bruce would surely be tempted to overhaul his entire defensive line for the subsequent game at Arsenal this Saturday. The goal glut in the Sunderland net was extended to 11 in four games at Goodison Park, but the two scruffy efforts from Jermaine Beckford were by far the most worrying of that tally for the Black Cats boss. The error of Sunderland’s ways had been easy to pinpoint during their three previous defeats – solve the concentration lapses from set-pieces and all would be well. But Sunderland’s defence was rudderless in all facets of the game on Saturday and Everton’s offence never needed to do anything particularly special to move into the top half of the table.

Tony Potts gives his opinion on the Everton v Sunderland game
Mon Feb 28 2011 Sunderland Echo
I CAME away from Goodison feeling that we have well and truly hit the proverbial “wall”.

This was simply not good enough and, of the four successive defeats, the worst performance of all and arguably the worst of the season. We might argue that if Richardson had scored early on, or if Sessegnon’s thunderbolt had gone in, it might have been a different story, but that is surely clutching at straws. Although I didn’t think Everton were anything special, they had more determination and we had little by way of invention or urgency. The defending for the goals was abject. The team seemed to lack balance. If Onuoha was injured, now we have acquired supposedly class midfielders, why not switch Bardsley to right-back and play Richardson at left-back? There was a promising spell of play between Everton’s two goals where I thought we might produce something, but it petered out. I expected us to come out with all guns blazing in the second half, but our tempo never picked up. Why was Malbranque not introduced earlier? Why does Elmo not seem to have the confidence or willingness to take his man on and get to the byline? Henderson and Muntari both looked heavy-legged and increasingly ineffective. Four successive defeats could easily become five, six or seven and we must be extremely grateful we have 37 points already. For all the frustrations and desire to arrest the run of defeats, however, I hope Steve does not rush any of the injured players back before they are fully ready. That would be irresponsible.

Sunderland boss Bruce to start again after Everton loss
By Graeme Anderson
Mon Feb 28 2011 Sunderland Echo
STEVE Bruce admitted it was a case of “rip it up and start again” for Sunderland’s coaching staff after the Black Cats’ defensive decline continued unabated at Everton. All last week at the Academy of Light, the squad practised defending set-pieces – the side’s Achilles heel in recent games. But, at Goodison Park on Saturday, the Wearsiders were undone by two routine balls pumped forward in open play which they simply failed to handle at the first, second or even third attempt. And Bruce conceded afterwards that it was becoming increasingly hard to credit the way his side had suddenly become a soft-touch at the back. “As coaches, we’ve really got to ask ourselves where we’re going wrong,” he sighed. “Maybe we could change personnel. “But the injury problems have left us down to the bare bones and the fact that we don’t have competition for places could be a problem.”
Bruce was probably referring to the fact that the absence of several key players have weakened Sunderland over the last few months. But there was more to it than that – there was a lack of heart, of spirit, of genuine ambition about Sunderland on Saturday. “The goals were poor,” frowned Bruce.
“We’ve shown resilience throughout this season and I’ve been proud of that, but we didn’t in this game. “It wasn’t just the defenders who were too blame, it was the rest of the team – we were too open, too wide, not solid enough. “The one thing I take pride in – as a former defender myself – is our defence. “And up to a month ago we were doing smashing. “So whatever’s gone wrong, we need to sort it because we’re going nowhere fast. “Set-pieces have been our problem recently and we’ve looked at that, “But against Everton it was different problems and we have to look at how we’re going to improve in that area because, as a club, we are totally focused on finishing this season strongly.” Saturday’s 2-0 reverse means Sunderland managed not a single point from their four February games, and they have not kept a clean sheet since securing their 11th of the season in the 1-0 win at Aston Villa on January 5.

Bruce still confident despite Sunderland’s Everton loss
By Graeme Anderson
Mon Feb 28 2011 Sunderland Echo
STEVE Bruce is confident Sunderland will end the season successfully, despite the Black Cats’ suffering their fourth loss in a row at the weekend. Defeat at Everton on Saturday dropped Sunderland down to eighth place in the Premier League. And the poor quality of their performance offered no encouragement that they might be about to spark a revival in fortunes in the wake of previous consecutive defeats, to Spurs, Stoke and Chelsea. But Bruce – whose next three games are against Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City – refuses to concede that his side’s impressive rise is over after a disappointing start to 2011. And he is asking Sunderland fans to keep the faith as the club looks to finish the season strongly. He said: “We’ve got 10 games left, which is a quarter of the season, so there’s still a long way to go and we can still turn it around. “Every team has a blip at some stage and it’s our turn now. “We always knew this would be a difficult part of the season for us and that’s how it is proving. “No excuses, but we’ve been hampered by key injuries and that has left us with a lack of competition. Hopefully that will ease and we’ll start to pick up.” Long-term, Bruce reckons that Saturday’s opponents offer the perfect role model to Sunderland. And he says that despite Everton having a disappointing season so far, he would still expect them to finish strongly. “I want to get Sunderland an established Premier League club, like Everton have become,” he said. “You know Everton might have a slide, but they recover and we need to be like that. “They’ll be a top 10 side by the end of the campaign and we’ve got to strive to be like them.” Everton simply had too much for Sunderland on the day, but Bruce acknowledged that his players had hardly helped themselves. “The first half was possibly the poorest we’ve played all season,” he said. “In the second half, we at least made a fist of it, but even then we were second best all afternoon. “The two goals were poor goals and that’s something that has crept into us over the last few weeks. “We’ve prided ourselves in being good defensively this season and I think that’s the root of our problems. “We haven’t won here in 14 years and it never looked like we’d break that hoodoo because we were nowhere near as good as we should have been.” Defeat at Goodison maintained Everton’s amazing record against Sunderland, 11 wins and three draws in the last 14 competitive meetings, going back almost a decade.

No Arsenal fears for Sunderland’s Mignolet despite Everton loss
By Chris Young
Mon Feb 28 2011 Sunderland Echo
RECALLED Simon Mignolet insists Sunderland have no trepidation at taking a four-game losing streak to beaten Carling Cup finalists Arsenal. Belgian stopper Mignolet made his first Premier League appearance since December at Everton on Saturday after first choice keeper Craig Gordon was only deemed fit enough for a spot on the bench. But there was little the 22-year-old could do to keep out Jermaine Beckford’s first half double as Sunderland produced by far the most lacklustre of their four successive defeats. They face an uphill battle to avoid a fifth loss at Arsenal next Saturday, but Mignolet is confident Sunderland can claim something from the Emirates after taking points at Liverpool, Chelsea and Tottenham this season. Mignolet said: “It’s up to us now to get a response and a result at Arsenal. “Everybody should be up for the task going to a place like the Emirates.
“We can get something from there if we’re at our best. “I don’t think there’s any concern in the dressing room. “We have taken points away from home against the big teams this season and we have to do that again now. “It’s up to us to forget about the last few weeks because if those games get in your head, it only makes it harder to win the next game.” Mignolet admits he took little satisfaction from his recall to the side as Sunderland extended their winless run at Goodison Park to 11 games. He said: “I was happy to play again. The game under my belt is good. But if you lose 2-0 you can’t be happy. “We conceded two in the first half and it was always going to be difficult after that. “It’s not my job to talk about the goals we conceded. But if you’re losing 2-0 after 40 minutes, it’s a difficult game. I tried my best for what I did have to do but my performance wasn’t really important. Some weeks it’s difficult and you just have to move on to the next game.” The £2million summer signing added: “I read in the newspaper that we haven’t got a good record at Everton. But that doesn’t matter for us because the only thing we can do is try to perform every week. “We were too easy to beat on Saturday. It didn’t matter if we had a bad record there or not.”

David Moyes must have forgotten how it felt to be the envy of his peers.
By Rory Smith 7 28 Feb 2011 The Telegrapher
He is hamstrung by Everton’s Premier League poverty, haunted by the fear of being left behind by richer rivals. And yet Steve Bruce, a man with access to the sort of funds the Scot craves, glances covetously at Goodison Park. Moyes may desire Sunderland’s ambition; Bruce aspires to Moyes’s achievements. That is no knee-jerk assessment based on one defeat, Sunderland’s fourth in succession, secured by two goals from Jermaine Beckford. Just 24 hours before the former Leeds striker, signed by Moyes on a free transfer — what else? — last summer, struck, Bruce had signed a new four-year deal at the Stadium of Light. His first task: to take Sunderland, backed by Ellis Short’s billions, the Korea Exchange Bank club, to a par with Everton. It is a little like Saatchi admiring Steptoe. “My brief [over the four years] was to make us an established Premier League club,” said Bruce. “Rather than the one that has been a yo-yo for the last few years. Everton, for instance, is one of those clubs. They have been in the Premier League since the year dot and I respect the manager and the team he’s got. “They will finish in the top 10 again, and that is something we would like to emulate. These days, that is not easy to do. We cannot say we are there yet. We are only three years in the Premier League, and if you look at our history, it is not that great. That is what we have got to do. We have to try to establish ourselves.” The key difference, perhaps, is that where Sunderland can concentrate on what the immediate future may hold, for Moyes and for Everton there is refuge in the recent past. Bruce is desperate to take Sunderland to where his conquerors are; financial restrictions mean Moyes’s plans stretch no further than maintaining his position. “I have been given time here to build a team and build a football club,” said the Everton manager. “I had a strategy of what we had to do. It got us into the top half quite often in the last nine years. Steve could fulfil a lot of his ambitions at Sunderland. He is trying to lift the club to the next level and with the backing they have got, there is a good chance they will do that.” Not with performances like this. Sunderland were complicit in their own demise, Anton Ferdinand gifting Leon Osman the chance to set Beckford free for his opener — bundled in by Titus Bramble — and then finding himself muscled off the ball by Mikel Arteta, the Basque promptly speeding past John Mensah and cutting back for Beckford to scuff the ball home again for the clincher. Gyan characterised the club’s fourth defeat in a row as “embarrassing,” though the Ghanaian is clearly more ashamed of the sequence than the loss. As Bruce agreed, there is no shame in losing at Goodison Park, especially when the hosts are beginning to look more like they once did, and none more so than Arteta. The Spaniard has struggled this campaign, seemingly weighed down by his £75,000-a-week contract, but here he crackled and created as he once did. “I have had a pig of a season,” he said. “It wasn’t just me, we were all scared – scared to lose and get ourselves in more trouble. With that fear inside you it’s not good, it makes things harder, but I think that’s gone now.” And with it, any doubts over what Moyes has built. Any lingering pity will soon dissolve. The envy is returning.

SAHA FIT AFTER CAR CRASH
Feb 28 2011 The Sporting Life
Louis Saha is in contention for Everton's FA Cup fifth-round tie against Reading after escaping unharmed from a car crash on Sunday night. The only issue is whether the French striker is still troubled by the hamstring injury which hindered his return to action in Saturday's victory over Sunderland. Midfielder Marouane Fellaini is a major doubt after aggravating an ankle problem against the Wearsiders. Everton will also check on the fitness of Jermaine Beckford (groin), Tim Cahill (foot) and Victor Anichebe. Reading captain Ivar Ingimarsson is set to miss out. The Icelandic centre-half came off with a groin injury during the 3-3 draw at Crystal Palace on Saturday and is set to miss out on the fifth-round clash at Goodison Park. Alex Pearce remains sidelined with his thigh strain so former Blackburn man Zurab Khizanishvili is in line to start. Right-back Andy Griffin missed out at the weekend with an Achilles injury, meaning Shaun Cummings will deputise once more.
Goalkeeper Adam Federici remains out with a knee injury so 21-year-old Alex McCarthy will continue fresh from saving a penalty against Palace. Striker Mathieu Manset is a doubt with a calf injury but top scorer Shane Long is fit to lead the line and will hope to emulate his winning goal across Stanley Park at Anfield in last season's FA Cup run.
Everton squad (from): Howard, Neville, Jagielka, Distin, Baines, Coleman, Fellaini, Osman, Rodwell, Cahill, Arteta, Saha, Beckford, Bilyaletdinov, Gueye, Heitinga, Hibbert, Baxter, Duffy, Mucha.

Noel Hunt aims to upset Everton
By Matthew Sadler
February 28, 2011 The Reading Post
In-form striker Noel Hunt revealed there is divided loyalty is his house ahead of tomorrow’s trip to Everton. Hunt’s girlfriend’s family are Everton supporters and the Republic of Ireland international joked that his other half had better support Royals at Goodison Park or face the consequences.
He said: “They are a quality side. We have to go to their place and try and cause an upset, but it will be interesting because my missus and her family are all Everton fans. “She told me she will sit with the Reading fans and she wouldn’t be let back in the house if she didn’t. “Her family have a box so there will be a good bit of banter. She wants to watch what she says or she might lose her place in the house.” Hunt grabbed Royals a share of the spoils on Saturday when he headed home Jobi McAnuff’s cross to secure Reading a 3-3 draw against Crystal Palace in appalling conditions.
And admitted that he had extra motivation to do well at Selhurst Park. He added: “It was a hard game, I’ve never played here before and I was telling the boys that I was rejected here as a 15-year-old, apparently I was too small so it was nice to come back and have a look at the place.
“We battled well and they took a really early lead, which we didn’t need so we have to look at ourselves in that regard. “The last thing I said before coming on the pitch was don’t let Ambrose shot because he has a great strike on him. “I like playing in that kind of weather. It adds a bit to the game and I think separates the man from the boys and you see who stands up to the plate. “Both teams did really well even with the conditions and it was a hard fightback for us. “It was heavier, but at the end we were still pushing for the win and that is a strong sign. At 2-2 we thought here we go, but then we let them off with the third goal

Reading FC captain wants fans to stop negativity ahead of Everton clash
By Jonny Fordham
February 28, 2011 The Reading Post
Matt Mills has called on negative Reading fans to get behind their team ahead of tonight’s huge FA Cup clash with Everton at Goodison Park (live on ESPN, 7.30pm kick-off). Royals skipper Mills told the Reading Post that he had only heard pessimistic comments in the build-up to what is the club’s biggest game of the season so far. Another giant-killing win for Brian McDermott’s side in the North West of England would send Reading into the quarter-finals for the second season running.
However, first-team captain Mills bemoaned: “The only feedback I’ve heard has been negative because we haven’t quite been picking up the results in the league as the fans would have wanted.
“That’s not what we need. We need to stay positive. We’re looking forward to the Everton game and if we can progress it will be fantastic for our season. “Last year when we went on that good FA Cup run and everyone was so excited, even though we were in a bad league position. “But this year, we’re in a better league position and everyone seems to be so negative. I don’t know what that’s about, but each to their own. “The lads are all confident though and we feel we can go up there and do ourselves justice. The manager is a fan of the FA Cup and that rubs off on us as players.”
A total of 20 places separate McDermott and David Moyes’ sides through the leagues, with the Toffees firm favourites for the clash after knocking out holders Chelsea in the last round. “With their Premier League status Everton will be favourites,” continued centre-back Mills. “But we’ve proven this year that the underdogs can fight back. We saw that with Birmingham in the Carling Cup final on Sunday as well. “It was a fantastic achievement and I was rooting for the underdogs, like everyone else I guess.” Last term Royals beat the Blues’ fierce rivals Liverpool 2-1 in an FA Cup third-round replay, a game that Mills received rave reviews for after coming back into the side. This time around McDermott’s men will once again stay in the same hotel as they prepare to conquer the blue half of Liverpool and create history once again by drawing on their previous experiences as motivation.
Mills added: “We’re staying in the hotel we stayed in last time. “It was probably the best one in Liverpool and you always want to be staying in the nice places as it helps prepare you mentally and physically before the game.”